AFC Toronto has announced its first-ever player signing with Jade Kovacevic, a 30-year-old striker from Acton, Ontario and top goal-scorer in League1 Ontario.

With over 170 goals in the league - more than any other player, male or female - Kovacevic's track record is unmatched in the province, but she's also made a name for herself internationally.

Kovacevic's soccer journey started right here in Ontario, representing Clubs like the Flamborough Flames, Georgetown SC, and Oakville SC throughout her youth. She also participated in the Provincial Xcel Program from the age of 14. In her collegiate career, she played one semester at Louisiana State University before returning home to Ontario and joining the women's soccer team at Fanshawe College in London.

Since then, Kovacevic has played for notable local teams like the Toronto Lady Lynx, FC London, Vaughan Azzuri and North Toronto Nitros. Over the years, she's also had stints with international Clubs in Hungary and Italy. She became the top scorer for Roma Calcio Femminile and made history as the first player to score for Hungary’s GYŐRI ETO FC.

Kovacevic has represented Canada on several occasions, being called up to the U17 National Team in 2010 and the U20 team in 2012, both times playing in the FIFA Women's World Cup.

With AFC Toronto ready to make their mark in the Northern Super League, signing Kovacevic reflects the club’s commitment to building a strong foundation. Head Coach Marko Milanovic praised her professional mindset, saying:

Jade has always trained like a professional, even without a domestic league to play in. Her leadership and goal-scoring ability will play a key role in helping us establish our presence in the league.

For Kovacevic, the opportunity to return to Canada and play professionally is deeply personal.

I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for six years, and now that it’s here, it changes everything for players like me and the next generation. For too long, women have had to leave home to pursue soccer careers. Now, with AFC Toronto and the Northern Super League, there’s a clear path for women to stay, grow, and thrive right here in the GTA.

Diana Matheson, Chief Growth Officer for the Northern Super League, recognizes the impact that Kovacevic will have on the team, and Canadian women's soccer in general:

We’re thrilled to welcome Jade as the first signing for AFC Toronto and the Northern Super League. Her story is one of the many that Canadians will come to know and love as clubs sign and announce players leading up to kickoff next April. Jade’s leadership and her connection to the community will be an asset to AFC Toronto.