Former Canada under-20 captain Nikayla Small joins AFC Toronto from Wake Forest University, while Stella Downing signs with Ottawa, showcasing the growth of Canadian women's soccer.
Former Canada under-20 captain Nikayla Small has signed with AFC Toronto, remaining close to home in the newly formed Northern Super League . The 21-year-old midfielder hails from Pickering, Ontario, and joins AFC Toronto from Wake Forest University, where she made 60 appearances, including 53 starts, scoring four goals and providing 15 assists. However, an ankle injury hampered her during the 2024 NCAA women's soccer tournament, leading to Wake Forest's 1-0 championship loss to North Carolina.
Small's soccer journey began with Pickering Soccer Club before progressing to the National Development Centre (NDC) Ontario. She represented Canada at the under-15, U-17, and U-20 levels. Although former Canada coach Bev Priestman invited her to camp twice in late 2021, she hasn't yet earned a senior cap. 'Nikayla is a player we are very familiar with, having watched her develop while playing with the National Development Centre and youth national teams,' AFC Toronto sporting director Billy Wilson stated. '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.' Small joins a growing list of local players signing with Toronto. 'Being from Toronto, Nikayla knows what this club represents for our supporters and the next generation of young players,' Wilson added. 'I have no doubt that she will have a huge influence at our club as we continue developing our project.' This marks a significant moment for Small, who acknowledges the lack of Canadian players returning home to play soccer after university. 'Growing up, you never really saw anyone return to Canada to play soccer after university; everyone was always going overseas,' she shared. '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 ... Walking out at our home stadium for the first time is going to be surreal and I can't wait to represent this city.' Small faced adversity during her collegiate career, missing her entire sophomore season due to an injury sustained while playing for Canada at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Costa Rica. Additionally, fellow signing Stella Downing, a 22-year-old midfielder from Vancouver, embarked on her own soccer journey, splitting her collegiate time between Memphis, Mississippi, and Creighton. Downing's talent was evident from a young age, making her Canadian youth debut at 14 with the under-17 team. 'Stella Downing is the epitome of a player who combines technical skill with incredible speed and a natural rhythm on the ball,' Ottawa technical director Kristina Kiss stated. 'Her bravery on the pitch allows her to make bold, game-changing decisions, which will push the team forward in moments of pressure.' Downing further solidified her international experience by earning a bronze medal at the 2018 CONCACAF Women's U17 Championship. Her impressive journey includes playing with the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX Program alongside Rapid teammate Jazmine Wilkinson. She also shares connections with other Ottawa players, having roomed with Liv Scott during an under-17 youth team camp and competing against Florence Belzile while at Creighton and Belzile at Nebraska
WOMEN's SOCCER CANADA NORTHERN SUPER LEAGUE AFC TORONTO OTTAWA NIKAYLA SMALL STELLA DOWNING
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