TORONTO, ON (August 24, 2026) – AFC Toronto will celebrate Youth Soccer Day, presented by Marlow, on Sunday, August 30 when the club hosts Ottawa Rapid FC at BMO Field, kickoff at 4:00 p.m.
The afternoon will celebrate the next generation of players and the future of soccer, with a day of professional women's soccer, live entertainment, interactive fan experiences and community programming. Supporters will also have the opportunity to explore partner activations throughout BMO Field and be among the first to welcome the inaugural players of the AFC Toronto Academy.
Youth Soccer Day Presented by Marlow
Youth Soccer Day celebrates the young players, families, coaches and communities helping shape the future of soccer. For AFC Toronto, investing in the next generation means creating more opportunities for young players to develop, compete and see a pathway forward in the sport.
Marlow, the Canadian, female-founded period care company and AFC Toronto's presenting partner for Youth Soccer Day, will bring a series of interactive experiences to BMO Field throughout the afternoon.
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Harit Sohal will deliver the ceremonial match ball ahead of kickoff. Fans can visit Marlow's Period Pit Stop activation, featuring a branded Spin Wheel, product sampling, and photo opportunities in the Kings Club, while all supporters entering the match will also receive a Marlow sample pack. At halftime, Marlow will host its Red Card, Green Card Period Trivia, inviting fans to take part in an interactive experience.
A Full Afternoon of Matchday Entertainment
The matchday experience will extend well beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch.
Alicia “Ace” West returns as AFC Toronto's in-game host, bringing her signature energy and personality back to BMO Field to keep fans entertained and connected throughout the afternoon.
Rising Toronto vocalist Nya Bello will perform the national anthem ahead of kickoff. An emerging artist with a strong background in pop, R&B, and musical theatre, she is known for her confident stage presence and ability to connect with audiences. She trains at Arcadia Academy of Music and is a two-time Music Fest competitor (2024 and 2025).
Onyx Cheer Elite, a competitive cheerleading program from Mississauga, will take to the pitch for a high-energy half-time performance.
Fans can also explore a range of interactive experiences throughout the stadium. Desjardins will host a photobooth and skills challenge in the Kings Club, while Intact Insurance will offer a fan zone in Section 108, Rows 1 to 3. Clinique will return with its Lucky Row Giveaway, surprising supporters in a randomly selected row with a gift.
In its second year partnering with Dove, AFC Toronto players will also take to the pitch in special-edition warm-up kits created for The Empty Stall campaign. The campaign highlights a key stat: nearly one in two girls leave sport by age 14, with low body confidence among the leading reasons why. Featuring imagery of the players’ younger selves alongside the message “Keep Her in the Game,” the kits recognize the people who helped AFC Toronto players stay in sport and aim to inspire more Canadians to do the same for the next generation.
Kids Help Phone will also be in attendance in the Kings Club, highlighting its work providing free, confidential and 24/7 mental health support to young people across Canada.
Introducing the Inaugural AFC Toronto Academy Players
Youth Soccer Day will also mark an important step in AFC Toronto's investment in the future of women's soccer with the introduction of the inaugural players of the AFC Toronto Academy.
The Club's fully funded Academy will provide elite female players aged 14 to 18 with a high-performance development environment and a pathway toward the professional game.
The inaugural Academy players and coaching staff will be introduced on the pitch ahead of kickoff, officially welcoming the next generation of AFC Toronto players to the Club.
“Launching the Academy is about adding another layer to the development pathway in Ontario,” said Marc Maunder, Director, AFC Toronto Academy. “Clubs across the province play an important role in developing young players, and our Academy is designed to build on that work by providing an additional high-performance environment for players who are ready to take the next step. As part of our long-term strategy, we’re creating a pathway to the professional game that gives young players the opportunity to continue developing, compete at a high level and grow without having to leave home to do it.”
Make a Day of it at BMO Field
Youth Soccer Day falls during the 2026 Canadian National Exhibition, which runs August 21 to September 7 at Exhibition Place, right next to BMO Field.
Fans attending the match will receive complimentary CNE admission with their AFC Toronto ticket, making it easy to spend the day enjoying the Ex before or after the match.
Match Details
Youth Soccer Day presented by Marlow
AFC Toronto vs. Ottawa Rapid FC
BMO Field
Sunday, August 30 | 4:00pm
Tickets include complimentary admission to the CNE. 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.
The match will be broadcast live on TSN and ESPN+.
Media Contact
Christina Miller
Director, Public Relations, Media & Communications
AFC Toronto