December 12, 2024...AFC Toronto Signs Former Canadian Youth National Team Player, Kaela Hansen
(from AFC Toronto news release)

AFC Toronto Signs Former Canadian Youth National Team Player, Kaela Hansen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, ON (December 12, 2024) – AFC Toronto is excited to announce the signing of former
Canadian Women’s Youth National Team defender Kaela Hansen (24) as the club’s latest recruit
for its inaugural 2025 season. A versatile and technically gifted defender from Burnaby, British
Columbia, Hansen has represented Canada at both the U17 and U20 national team levels. She
has also competed internationally at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Jordan and the Three-Nations
Tournament in Australia.

Hansen played for KuPS in Finland, where she contributed to the team’s success in earning a
silver medal in the Kansallinen Liiga. Prior to that, she represented ŽFK Spartak Subotica in
Serbia, winning both the Serbian Women's Super League and the League Cup. During her time
in Europe, she also competed in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification phases
with both clubs during the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 seasons.

“Kaela is a player on the rise, and we are excited to have her join AFC Toronto,” said Marko
Milanovic, Head Coach of AFC Toronto. “Her dedication, and technical ability coupled with her
ambition aligns perfectly with AFC Toronto, and this will make her a strong contributor to the
success of the club.”


Photo credit: Kaela Hansen April 20th, 2024 at JYA Housing Areena, Helsinki, Finland. Match: Finland vs HPS (Helsingin
Palloseura). Photographer: Kalevi.

After developing in the Whitecaps FC Academy and Canada Soccer’s National EXCEL
Program, Hansen committed to the University of Kansas to continue her playing career and
development. At Kansas, she became a cornerstone of the team’s success, starting every
match and setting program records as the all-time leader in games and minutes played. Her
exceptional performances earned her Defensive MVP honours and contributed to the team
achieving a #8 national defensive ranking. Hansen played a vital role in winning the Big 12
Tournament, advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16, and making three NCAA Tournament
appearances.

“I’m excited to be joining AFC Toronto, and even more excited to be returning to play in my
home country,” said Kaela Hansen. “Since the day I met with the club’s staff, they have been
nothing but welcoming and supportive. Toronto is a whole new chapter for me, and it’s thrilling to
be a part of what the club is building in this city”
Hansen is the sixth official signing and joins a growing roster with more player announcements
set to be released over the coming months and into the new year as the team prepares for its
debut season.

To hear more about AFC Toronto’s exciting announcements, sign up for its newsletter and follow
AFC Toronto on Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and TikTok.

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About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club in the new Canadian women's professional soccer league, the
Northern Super League. The club is gearing up to deliver a top-tier experience for players, staff,
and supporters in spring 2025. AFC Toronto is committed to uniting the community and inspiring
young women and girls to lead, develop, and excel. The club’s purpose is to not just build a
football club but to also create a platform for girls and women to achieve greatness on their
terms.

Media Contact:
Victoria Mattacchione
Public Relations & Communications Lead
media@afctoronto.ca

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