For AFC Toronto midfielder April Lantaigne, soccer has been part of her life for as long as she can remember. Growing up in a big soccer family in Durham Region, she spent her earliest years with a ball at her feet, watching her sisters play and accompanying them to practices. What began as a childhood surrounded by the game grew into a dream of one day playing professionally.

Today, Lantaigne is living that dream with AFC Toronto, continuing to develop her game after joining the club ahead of its inaugural Northern Super League season in 2025. 

“From the day I could walk, I had a soccer ball at my feet, and I was always at the field watching my sisters play and going to their practices,” Lantaigne said. “Growing up around the game made me fall in love with it, and becoming a professional soccer player was always a dream of mine.”

Making the transition to the professional level has brought new challenges and opportunities, helping Lantaigne understand what it takes to compete consistently and continue progressing as a player. For the young midfielder, development extends beyond what happens on the pitch. It means taking care of her body, paying attention to the details and learning from those around her.

“I think I’ve grown a lot, both on and off the field,” she said. “Playing at the professional level has taught me how important it is to be consistent, take care of my body, and pay attention to the little details.”

That commitment to improvement has also shaped how Lantaigne approaches her role within the squad. As a young player continuing to earn opportunities, she focuses on staying prepared, working hard in training and making the most of the minutes she receives.

“I try to stay ready, work hard every day, and take advantage of every opportunity I get,” she said. “Whenever I get on the pitch, I want to make an impact and help the team in any way I can.”

That mindset has remained central to her development at AFC Toronto, where she continues to gain valuable professional experience and take steps forward in her career. The club’s decision to extend Lantaigne’s contract through the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028, reflects its belief in her potential and the progress she has made since arriving in Toronto.

For Lantaigne, that continued commitment is both meaningful and motivating.

“It means a lot to me to have the club believe in me and invest in my development,” she said. “It gives me extra motivation to keep working hard and pushing myself to get better.”

With more experience ahead and new opportunities to pursue, Lantaigne is focused on continuing to grow, taking on greater responsibility and helping AFC Toronto achieve its goals.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as a player, gaining more experience, and helping the team achieve its goals,” she said. “I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together in the seasons ahead.”

For a player who has dreamed of reaching the professional game since childhood, the opportunity to keep building her career in Toronto makes the journey all the more special.

“Now, to be living that dream and playing professionally for Toronto is something I’m incredibly grateful for,” Lantaigne said. “It’s something I’ve wanted since I was little, and being able to do what I love every day is really special to me.”