AFC Toronto made history on Monday by announcing Jade Kovacevic as their first-ever signing for the Northern Super League team. The announcement was accompanied by a photo, provided by Creo Vision.
The Northern Super League (NSL), Canada's first professional women's soccer league, has officially signed its first player, marking a significant moment in Canadian sports history. Jade Kovacevic, a 30-year-old star striker from Acton, Ontario, is now a part of AFC Toronto, a team in the league. This exciting news comes as the NSL prepares for its launch next April with six teams, each presenting a new opportunity for Canadian soccer talent.
Kovacevic’s career in soccer has been nothing short of remarkable. Known for her goal-scoring prowess, she leads the charts in League1 Ontario with over 170 goals, making her the all-time leading scorer among both men and women. Her accomplishments also include five Golden Boot awards and four Most Valuable Player titles. Despite her international success in countries like Italy and Hungary, where she excelled for clubs like Roma Calcio Femminile, Kovacevic describes joining AFC Toronto as a "dream come true."
Kovacevic expressed her joy at finally having a platform in Canada where talented players can perform in front of their family and friends, without having to move overseas. She praised the efforts of Diana Matheson and Christine Sinclair for making the Northern Super League a reality, creating opportunities for women in soccer that weren’t available when she started her journey.
For Kovacevic, her soccer dream began early. She recalls her first goal vividly: as a 10-year-old playing against older kids, she launched a free kick from over 20 yards out, scoring a memorable goal. Her talent shone through early on, leading her to represent Canada in the U17 and U20 World Cups. Despite these early successes, it wasn’t until her mid-20s that she realized professional soccer could be a real career for her. Now, with the establishment of the NSL, future players won’t have to face the same uncertainty that Kovacevic did.
Kovacevic's signing isn't the only news out of the NSL. Montreal's team, Roses FC, also made headlines by signing two key players—veteran French defensive midfielder Charlotte Bilbault and Canadian goalkeeper Gabrielle Lambert. The addition of such skilled players highlights the league's commitment to building competitive teams from the start.
The NSL's setup is also generating excitement. Teams will have a roster of up to 25 players, with a maximum of seven international players. A notable feature of the league is its salary structure: the minimum salary is set at $50,000, with no cap for designated players. This places the NSL among the top-paying leagues globally for women's soccer. Additionally, players will enjoy mental health services, maternity and fertility benefits, and guaranteed contracts, reflecting the league’s player-first philosophy.
As the NSL continues to reveal more players and prepare for its first season, Kovacevic is proud to be part of this historic moment. For her, joining AFC Toronto at this time feels like the perfect fit. She also encourages young Canadian players to seize the opportunities the league offers and pursue their soccer dreams.
In short, Jade Kovacevic’s signing with AFC Toronto not only marks a personal milestone for her but also signals a new era for Canadian women’s soccer, offering homegrown talent a platform to shine.
