Former Canada U-20 captain, midfielder Nikayla Small joins AFC Toronto
Former Canada under-20 captain Nikayla Small has officially signed with AFC Toronto, marking a significant move for the young midfielder as she stays close to home in the newly established Northern Super League. The 21-year-old native of Pickering, Ontario, brings a wealth of experience from her time at Wake Forest University, where she featured in 60 games, with 53 starts, scoring four goals and providing 15 assists. Small’s collegiate career was unfortunately cut short due to an ankle injury that saw her miss out on the 2024 NCAA women’s soccer tournament, where her team fell short in the championship game against North Carolina.
Prior to her collegiate career, Small honed her skills at the Pickering Soccer Club before progressing to the National Development Centre (NDC) Ontario. Her impressive performances at the youth level earned her call-ups to the Canadian national teams at the under-15, U-17, and U-20 levels. Despite being invited to senior national team camps by former Canada coach Bev Priestman in late 2021, Small has yet to earn her first senior cap.
AFC Toronto’s sporting director, Billy Wilson, expressed his excitement about Small’s arrival, highlighting her talent and character as key assets to the team. Wilson stated, “Nikayla is a player we are very familiar with, having watched her development with the National Development Centre and youth national teams. She is not only an exceptional talent who will bring a different dimension to our midfield, but she is also a quality individual who embodies our club’s values.”
In other notable signings within the NSL, Ottawa Rapid FC secured the services of former Canadian youth international winger Stella Downing. The 22-year-old Vancouver native boasts a diverse collegiate background, having played for Memphis, Mississippi, and Creighton. Downing made her debut for the Canadian youth program at the age of 14, representing the U-17 national team and earning accolades in various international competitions.
Ottawa’s technical director, Kristina Kiss, praised Downing’s skill set, highlighting her technical prowess, speed, and ability to make game-changing decisions under pressure. Kiss remarked, “Stella Downing epitomizes a player who combines technical ability with exceptional speed and a natural flair on the ball. Her fearless approach on the field will undoubtedly propel the team forward in crucial moments.”
Downing’s journey to Ottawa has seen her cross paths with familiar faces, including former teammates from the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX Program and matchups against current Rapid players during her collegiate career. The winger’s arrival adds depth and quality to Ottawa’s squad, further strengthening their lineup for the upcoming NSL season.
Both Small and Downing’s signings underscore the growing talent pool within the Canadian soccer landscape, with promising young players opting to showcase their skills domestically in the evolving NSL. As AFC Toronto and Ottawa Rapid FC continue to bolster their rosters with top-tier talent, fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead filled with standout performances and memorable moments on the pitch.
