January 27, 2025...Canadian Midfielder Nikayla Small Joins AFC Toronto (from AFC Toronto news release)

Canadian Midfielder Nikayla Small Joins AFC Toronto
Former U-20 captain joins the club as latest example of local talent recruitment

Toronto, ON (January 27, 2025) — AFC Toronto is thrilled to announce the signing of Nikayla 
Small, former captain of Canada’s U-20 Women’s National Team and a standout midfielder from 
NCAA Division I powerhouse Wake Forest University.

Small spent her formative years developing her skills with Pickering Soccer Club before being 
selected to join the National Development Centre (NDC) Ontario. She later represented Canada 
Soccer on the international stage at the U-15, U-17 and U-20 level. 

Since her Canada Soccer debut at 15, Small went on to feature at both the Concacaf
Championships and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup where she was one of three team captains.
Such individual success led to Small earning two call ups to the senior national team in 2021. 
The addition of Small reflects AFC Toronto’s commitment to signing the best young talent from the 
Greater Toronto Area and offering new pathways for professional development ahead of the 
inaugural Northern Super League season. 


Image: Nikayla Small poses during a media session with Canada Soccer.
Credit: Canada Soccer/Image provided by player.

“Nikayla is a player we are very familiar with having watched her develop while playing with the 
National Development Centre and Youth National Teams. Not only is she an outstanding talent who 
will offer us something different in central areas, she is a quality person who aligns with our values,” 
said AFC Toronto Sporting Director, Billy Wilson.

“Being from Toronto, Nikayla knows what this club represents for our supporters and the next 
generation of young players. I have no doubt that she will have a huge influence at our club as we 
continue developing our project.”

The 21-year-old echoed the same sentiment after signing with the club, recognizing the value of 
being a part of professional women’s sports history in Toronto and across Canada.

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to go professional. But growing up, you never really saw 
anyone return to Canada to play soccer after university; everyone was always going overseas,” said 
Nikayla Small. “Now, having a chance to be part of this project with AFC Toronto, I know there’s 
nothing that can take away our part in history. 

“I’m confident my experiences with Canada Soccer and at Wake Forest will help me massively in 
this new chapter and I’m really excited to learn from head coach Marko Milanovic. Walking out at 
our home stadium for the first time is going to be surreal and I can’t wait to represent this city.”
As the latest AFC Toronto player signing, Small joins a robust group of talented players ahead of 
kickoff this April. Further player announcements will arrive in the near future.

Additional Photos:

..

left to right:
Nikayla Small pictured during training while representing Canada Soccer. Credit: 
Canada Soccer/Image provided by player.
Nikayla Small (middle) waves to the crowd during a game with Wake Forest 
University. Credit: Image provided by player.
Nikayla Small (middle) high-fives her teammates on the sidelines while representing 
Wake Forest University. Credit: Image provided by player

To keep up with AFC Toronto’s exciting updates, register for the club newsletter and follow AFC 
Toronto on Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and TikTok.

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.

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