AFC Toronto announced the signing of Canadian forward Jade Kovacevic Monday. It is the Northern Super League club’s first-ever signing.
30-year-old Kovacevic has previously won five Golden Boot awards and four MVP awards in her time in League1 Ontario, which includes time with FC London, Vaughan Azzurri, and North Toronto Nitros.
Kovacevic brings experience and leadership
Kovacevic has also served as coach for the Nitros’ League1 reserves and League 2 teams. And AFC Toronto’s manager anticipates his club will benefit from his new signing’s experience and leadership.
“We’re thrilled to have Jade as our first signing,” said AFC Toronto head coach Marko Milanovic via a club statement Monday. “She’s always trained like a professional, even without a domestic league to play in, and it’s that commitment, her goal-scoring ability and leadership that will help us establish our presence in the league.”
Kovacevic also has international experience, representing Canada in both the U17 and U20 World Cups.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for 6 years,” said Kovacevic. “And now that it’s finally here and we can all see it – it changes everything for players like me and those just starting their careers.
“Canada has so much untapped talent, and for too long, women have had to leave home to chase their soccer dreams. Now, with AFC Toronto and the Northern Super League, there’s finally a clear pathway for women and girls to stay, grow, and thrive right here in the GTA. I couldn’t be more excited to kick off on home soil and to see how this will shape the future of women’s soccer in Canada.”
Northern Super League set for 2025 launch
The Northern Super League is Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league. The NSL is set to kick-off in spring of 2025 and currently has six clubs named for its inaugural season.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jade as the first signing for AFC Toronto and the Northern Super League,” said Diana Matheson, Chief Growth Officer for the NSL and former Canadian international player. “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.”
