This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, AFC Toronto is bringing its community together to raise awareness, support cancer research and recognize the people whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Through the Soccer for Cancer campaign, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), the club is turning the power of sport into an opportunity to make a difference. 

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to promoting early detection, supporting patients and survivors, and raising funds for research.

While the campaign aims to raise funds and awareness, its impact extends beyond the pitch. Cancer affects individuals, families and communities in deeply personal ways. For AFC Toronto midfielders Cloey Uddenberg and Olivia Chisholm, supporting this cause is especially meaningful because of their own families’ experiences. 

For Chisholm, cancer has become more personal following her grandfather’s diagnosis. 

“Cancer has become something a little more personal to me as my grampa was recently diagnosed with cancer. Family means so much to me, so seeing someone I love face something like this really puts things into perspective and reminds me how important it is to support one another through the hardest of times,” said Olivia Chisholm. “I hope to help raise awareness and support families facing similar experiences, so they know they’re not alone in what they’re going through.” 

That personal connection has reinforced for Chisholm the importance of using every available opportunity to support those affected by cancer. She sees AFC Toronto’s campaign as a chance to reach people beyond the football community and help raise awareness of a disease that touches so many families.

“It’s really meaningful to see AFC Toronto use its platform to support such an important cause. As athletes, we have the opportunity to reach so many people, and using that visibility to raise awareness and support research of such a common type of cancer can make a real difference. Cancer affects so many families, including my own, so being able to give back and support those going through it means a lot to me,” she said.

For fellow midfielder Cloey Uddenberg, the importance of supporting breast cancer research is rooted in her aunt’s experience. She remembers visiting her aunt in the hospital during her treatment and witnessing the strength and resilience she maintained despite the pain she was experiencing.

“It means a lot to my family that AFC Toronto is supporting breast cancer research. I remember visiting my aunt in the hospital while she was battling cancer,” said Cloey Uddenberg. “Despite the pain she was going through, she continued to find joy. Watching someone you love endure that kind of pain is never easy. Supporting cancer research is incredibly important because it helps advance treatments and brings us closer to a future where fewer families have to experience that pain.” 

For Uddenberg, meaningful support goes beyond fundraising. It means building a community where people affected by cancer feel cared for and know they do not have to navigate the experience alone.

“Support goes beyond providing financial resources. It’s about coming together as a community to make a difference and ensuring that families affected by cancer feel supported, cared for, and never alone as they navigate the challenges that come with it,” she said.

Both players hope fans will find their own way to contribute to the campaign, whether through a donation, raising awareness or showing support for someone in their lives.

“I would encourage everyone to get involved in any way they can, because every little bit helps. You never know what someone is going through or how cancer has affected them or their family, so showing support and coming together for a cause like this can mean more than you realize. It’s a great opportunity to make a difference, raise awareness, and remind people that they’re not alone,” added Chisholm.

Turning Support Into Action
Throughout October, AFC Toronto is inviting its fans, players and wider community to get involved in Soccer for Cancer, with fundraising efforts supporting the Canadian Cancer Society’s work in breast cancer research and cancer support programs and services. 

The campaign will culminate at AFC Toronto’s Community Heroes Day match on Sunday, October 18, when the club hosts Calgary Wild FC at BMO Field. Fans can contribute by making a donation through the campaign’s dedicated fundraising page or by scanning the donation QR code available on matchday.

Supporters can also visit the Soccer for Cancer activation in the North Patio to fill out an “I Support…” sign in honour of someone in their life who has been impacted by cancer. The signs offer fans a personal way to recognize loved ones and show their support for everyone affected by the disease.

The match will also feature a silent auction of player-worn AFC Toronto jerseys from Shelina Zadorsky, Colby Barnett and Nikki Small. Fans can bid in person at the North Patio activation, with the auction closing after the match. One hundred per cent of auction proceeds will go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society.

AFC Toronto players will wear custom AFC Toronto x CCS Soccer for Cancer armbands in support of the fight against cancer, helping raise awareness for an important cause both on and off the pitch.

For AFC Toronto, Soccer for Cancer is an opportunity to bring people together around a cause that touches so many lives. Whether through a donation, a bid in the jersey auction or a message of support for someone special, every action is an opportunity to stand alongside those affected by cancer.

Join Us on Matchday
AFC Toronto vs. Calgary Wild FC 
BMO Field
Sunday, October 18 | 1:00 p.m. ET 
Gates open at 12:00 p.m.

The match will stream live on TSN, ESPN+. 

Join the action and purchase your ticket here.