On this International Women's Day, we celebrate a monumental advancement in Canadian sports: the inauguration of the Northern Super League (NSL), Canada's first professional women's soccer league, set to kick off on April 16, 2025. This league signifies a pivotal moment for women's sports in Canada and globally, embodying the International Women's Day theme of "Accelerate Action."

The NSL is the brainchild of Canadian soccer legend Diana Matheson, as well as her business partner and co-founder Thomas Gilbert. Through their dedication and perseverance with Project 8, what was once a vision for a professional women’s league in Canada has finally come to fruition. Matheson, an Ontario-born two-time Olympic medalist and former national team midfielder, has been a longtime advocate for the growth of women’s soccer in Canada. Her leadership, alongside other key stakeholders, has been instrumental in making the NSL a reality.

The league’s formation aims to provide homegrown talent with a professional platform to compete at the highest level while inspiring future generations of athletes.

The establishment of the NSL is a testament to Canada's dedication to accelerating action in women's sports. This initiative provides a professional platform for female athletes, inspiring future generations and promoting gender equality in sports. The league's creation aligns with the global movement to elevate women's sports, offering new opportunities for players, coaches, and fans alike.

We're all pulling in the same direction. What what we want to do is create these opportunities for women and girls to have role models right here in their backyard

-Helena Ruken, CEO and Co-Founder of AFC Toronto

The NSL's inaugural season will feature six teams: AFC Toronto, Ottawa Rapid, Calgary Wild FC, Halifax Tides FC, Montreal Roses FC, and Vancouver Rise FC. Each team will play 25 matches, facing each opponent five times. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, culminating in a championship match on November 15, 2025.

Quinn's Return to Canada: Made in Ontario midfielder Quinn, known for their exceptional playmaking skills, has signed with Vancouver Rise FC, bringing experience and talent to the NSL.

Emma Regan joins AFC Toronto: Regan's arrival marks a significant addition to AFC Toronto's midfield. As a former youth national team captain with seven international appearances on the senior team, she is expected to play a key role in the club's success.

Desiree Scott's Comeback: Former Kansas City Current captain Desiree Scott is coming out of retirement to join Ottawa Rapid, adding veteran leadership and depth to the team's midfield.

Christine Sinclair's Involvement: Canadian soccer icon Christine Sinclair has joined the ownership group of Vancouver Rise FC, one of the NSL's founding teams. Her involvement underscores the league's potential to inspire and develop women's soccer nationwide.

Fans eagerly anticipating the NSL's debut can now purchase tickets for the upcoming season. Season tickets are available through the official NSL website and respective club websites. This is a unique opportunity to support local teams and be part of a historic moment in Canadian sports.

As the NSL's inaugural season approaches, the excitement continues to build. The league represents a significant stride toward gender equality in sports and offers a platform for athletes to showcase their talents on a professional stage. Ontario's AFC Toronto and Ottawa Rapid are poised to lead this charge, embodying the spirit of "Accelerate Action" and inspiring future generations of female athletes.

Hear from NSL players Jade Kovacevic, Cloey Uddenberg, and Nikki Small in our #IWD2025 social media campaign featuring AFC Toronto!