AFC Toronto's Next Theme Match, She Leads the Game, Celebrates Women Leading On and Off the Pitch

AFC Toronto's Next Theme Match, She Leads the Game, Celebrates Women Leading On and Off the Pitch
Published on
August 07, 2026

Totum Life Science Presents AFC Toronto She Leads the Game at BMO Field on Sunday, August 16

TORONTO, ON (August 7, 2026) – AFC Toronto’s next theme match, She Leads the Gamepresented by Totum Life Science, will celebrate the women who are breaking barriers, building communities and creating opportunities across sport and beyond when AFC Toronto hosts Montréal Roses FC on Sunday, August 16 at BMO Field. 

More than a match, She Leads the Game recognizes the impact women are making as athletes, coaches, officials, executives, entrepreneurs and community leaders. The afternoon reflects AFC Toronto’s commitment to creating opportunities for women at every level of the game while celebrating those helping shape the future of the sport.

“She Leads the Game celebrates women who are leading — on the pitch, on the sidelines, in boardrooms and throughout our communities,” said Helena Ruken, CEO and Co-Founder of AFC Toronto. “We built AFC Toronto to create opportunities for women and girls, on and off the pitch, on our own terms. Celebrating women who are making an impact inspires the next generation to dream even bigger.”

Match Day Experiences
Supporters can expect a matchday dedicated to celebrating women in sport through a variety of special experiences and recognitions. 

Returning as AFC Toronto’s in-game host is Alicia “Ace” West, the prominent Toronto-based broadcaster, podcaster and sports personality who will keep the energy high throughout the afternoon.  

Performing the national anthem before kickoff is Ari Daye King, the Canada-based R&B singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist known for her soulful sound and debut EP, 3:33. Drawing comparisons to artists like Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse, Ari Daye King's powerful vocals have quickly established her as one of Canada's emerging musical talents.

Ahead of kick-off, participants from She Can Coach, a program dedicated to increasing opportunities for women in coaching, will deliver the ceremonial match ball, recognizing the importance of creating pathways for more women to lead in sport. 

At halftime, supporters will enjoy a performance by Raices Latinas Canada, a community organization celebrating Latin American culture through music and dance.

Keeping the energy going at halftime, Totum Life Science will host an on-field relay race, inviting fans to take part in a fun, interactive activation celebrating movement, teamwork and healthy competition.

Celebrating the Women Behind AFC Toronto
While supporters see the players take the pitch on matchday, dozens of women are helping build AFC Toronto every day behind the scenes.

Leading into She Leads the Game, AFC Toronto will launch a special editorial series profiling women from across the club, including members of its technical staff, front office, leadership team and sponsors. Through personal stories and behind-the-scenes features, the series will highlight the diverse career paths, experiences and perspectives of the women helping shape the future of professional soccer in Canada.

Together, the series reflects the spirit of She Leads the Game, celebrating the many ways women lead, inspire and create opportunities throughout every level of the game.

Return to BMO Field
She Leads the Game also marks AFC Toronto's return to BMO Field for the first time since the club's May 10th match against Montréal Roses FC. The match is the first of three consecutive home matches at BMO Field, giving supporters another opportunity to experience professional women's soccer at one of Canada's premier sporting venues.

The club will remain at BMO Field for its August 30 and September 6 home matches, which take place during the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). Supporters attending either match will receive complimentary admission to the CNE with their AFC Toronto match ticket, making it easy to enjoy a full day at Exhibition Place.

Match Details
She Leads the Game presented by TOTUM
AFC Toronto vs. Montréal Roses FC
BMO Field
Sunday, August 16 | 3:00pm

Single match tickets are here. Supporters looking to experience more of AFC Toronto's 2026 season can also purchase a Flex Pack, which includes tickets to any three or more regular season matches, a 10% savings compared to single-match pricing, and an exclusive AFC Toronto mini ball while supplies last.

Join the action and secure your tickets today.

About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club in the Northern Super League, Canada's new professional women's soccer league. The club continues to deliver a winning culture for players, staff and supporters throughout the 2026 season.

Rooted in community and driven by purpose, AFC Toronto exists not only to compete at the highest level, but to create a platform for girls and women to lead, grow and thrive, on and off the pitch. Guided by its ethos, Run It Our Way, the club is reimagining what it means to pursue excellence, build meaningful connections and define success on its own terms.

Media Contact
Christina Miller
Director, Public Relations, Media & Communications
AFC Toronto
cmiller@afctoronto.ca

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