June 13 match to feature Mighloe, Nonna Monica, DJ Heccstasy, Sole Her Experience and partnerships with The Get REAL Movement

TORONTO, ON (June 4, 2026) — AFC Toronto's Pride Match on June 13 will bring together artists, performers and community organizations from across Toronto's 2SLGBTQIA+ community for a matchday experience designed to celebrate creativity, self-expression and connection through sport.

From a national anthem performance by acclaimed singer-songwriter Mighloe and music from DJ Heccstasy to matchday participation from community advocate Monica Bancheri, aka gayitaliannonna, and a halftime performance by Sole Her Experience, Pride Match will spotlight the individuals and organizations helping shape Toronto's vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

"One of the most exciting parts of building AFC Toronto has been building our community together   with people and organizations that make up the fabric of our city," said Helena Ruken, CEO and Co-Founder of AFC Toronto. "Pride Match is an opportunity to bring those voices into the matchday experience and celebrate the people, stories and perspectives that make Toronto's 2SLGBTQIA+ community so vibrant."

At the centre of the matchday experience are a group of artists, advocates and community leaders whose work extends far beyond the pitch.

Mighloe, an acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter known for her atmospheric blend of alternative R&B and soulful music, will perform the national anthem prior to kickoff. Celebrated for her raw vocal talent and introspective songwriting, Mighloe has earned international recognition through platforms including COLORSxSTUDIOS and CBC.

Community advocate, creator and entertainer Monica Bancheri will deliver the official match ball and join AFC Toronto's in-stadium host Alicia West for a halftime fan spotlight celebrating self-expression with an on-pitch fashion competition. "Pride is about showing up exactly as you are and knowing you belong,” said Monica Bancheri. “I'm honoured to be part of AFC Toronto's Pride Match, celebrating a community that continues to lead with courage, authenticity, and love. Whether you're on the pitch, in the stands, or cheering from home, there's a place for you here."

Throughout the match, music will be provided by DJ Heccstasy, a Toronto-based Latinx DJ and member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community known for creating energetic, inclusive spaces through music. Fans will also enjoy a halftime performance by Sole Her Experience, whose work explores movement, artistry through dance.

The matchday celebration will begin before kickoff with a rainbow display led by Vermilion Vanguard, while the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a limited-edition AFC Toronto Pride bandana to commemorate the day. Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition AFC Toronto Crossbody Bag, featuring the club logo in Pride colours, a matchday-exclusive item.  

Fans will also have a chance to connect with representatives from The Get REAL Movement who will be on-site throughout the match sharing more about the organization's work in creating safer and more inclusive communities for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals across Canada. In partnership with AFC Toronto, The Get REAL Movement has also launched a limited-edition co-branded tote that will also be available for purchase on-site on matchday, with proceeds going back to their work combatting 2SLGBTQIA+ discrimination, racism and bullying in schools and workplaces.

Beyond Matchday
While Pride Match serves as the centrepiece of AFC Toronto's Pride Month celebrations, the club's programming extends throughout June through partnerships and initiatives that continue to amplify voices from Toronto's 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

In partnership with writer, producer and community advocate Kevin Hurren, AFC Toronto will launch a storytelling series spotlighting members of the community tied to the club, exploring themes of identity, belonging and the role sport can play in creating connection.

"Behind every kick, every goal and every game is a story," said Kevin Hurren. "It's been refreshing to see that AFC Toronto cares just as much about those stories as the outcome of any match, particularly when it comes to its queer players, staff and supporters. It's that shared commitment to uplifting voices that too often go unheard that makes the club a valuable partner."

Throughout the month, AFC Toronto will also engage in a series of community-focused activations and storytelling opportunities designed to celebrate and amplify the voices of 2SLGBTQ+ supporters, players, staff and community members connected to the club.

The club will close out Pride Month by participating in Toronto's Pride Parade, joining community members, organizations and allies in one of the city's largest celebrations of Pride.

Match Details:
Pride Match
AFC Toronto vs. Montréal Roses FC
June 13, 2026 | 4:00PM
York Lions Stadium

Join the Action and secure your ticket here.

About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club in the Northern Super League, Canada’s professional women’s soccer league. Following a first-place finish and Supporters’ Shield-winning inaugural campaign in 2025, the club continues to build momentum in its second season — driven by a commitment to high performance, meaningful community connection, and the long-term growth of the women’s game in Canada.

Rooted in Toronto and guided by its ethos — Run It Our Way — AFC Toronto exists not only to compete at the highest level, but to create a platform where girls and women can lead, grow, and thrive both on and off the pitch.

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