AFC seemed to its roots Thursday, asserting the signing of three native gamers who’ve gone on to make their mark outdoors of Toronto.
The brand new Northern Tremendous League facet has added goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde, defender Sarah Rollins and midfielder Ivymae Perez.
All three performed for the North Toronto Soccer membership led by members of the AFC Toronto administration and training workforce.
“Recruiting local talent is important for us and we aim to sign high potential players ready to be a part of Canadian history,” AFC Toronto sporting director Billy Wilson, who was North Toronto’s technical director, stated in a press release. “Ivy, Sarah and Sierra are gamers we all know very properly from their time taking part in for North Toronto Soccer in League1 Ontario and fill us with a whole lot of confidence.
“We’re proud to offer an area the place native gamers can confidently proceed their careers and are excited to see them make the step into the skilled recreation.”
The 21-year-old Cota-Yarde joins Toronto from Southern Methodist College after earlier stints with Prairie View A&M and Arkansas. The five-foot-11 ‘keeper has represented Portugal on the under-19 and under-23 and made her senior debut in February 2024 in opposition to South Korea.
“To have the ability to come again house is one thing I by no means thought I’d have the chance to do,” stated Cota-Yarde. “Having the ability to promote soccer to youthful Canadian gamers is unimaginable; they now have one thing to work towards and I’m proud to be part of this challenge.”
Rollins, a 19-year-old centre again, gained the U-Sports activities championship twice with the UBC Thunderbirds and was named U-Sport Rookie of the Yr in 2023. She anchored a backline that went unbeaten final 12 months en route to a different nationwide title.
She joined North Toronto in 2018, taking part in underneath Wilson and Marko Milanovic, now AFC Toronto head coach.
“AFC Toronto opened a complete different realm of alternative for me to proceed my profession and I’m actually excited to take this subsequent step,” stated Rollins. “I used to be born and raised in Toronto, so coming residence and dealing with acquainted workers like Billy and Marko is wonderful. They helped me get to the extent I’m at present and I’m excited to develop with the membership.”
Perez, 23, has been a mainstay for North Toronto the final two years and performed 4 seasons for the Toronto Metropolitan College Daring the place she was named MVP in 2022-23.
“It was arduous to say no to this chance. I by no means thought I’d be capable to play for a professional workforce that’s proper at residence,” stated Perez. “I knew Billy and head coach Marko from my time with North Toronto Soccer; I belief them with every part. Signing my contract was tremendous emotional and I’m excited to hopefully be a constructive function mannequin for different native gamers.”
The signings deliver the AFC Toronto roster to 13 gamers. The brand new six-team NSL kicks off April 16.
