On the last day of the Northern Super League, I woke up before the alarm went off. I couldn't believe it after an incredible seven months startIt's time to sum up the first season.
My enthusiasm for the championship game between the Vancouver Rise and AFC Toronto didn't match the gray sky outside, but no threatening clouds could dampen my spirits. A few days earlier, I had attended the second leg of the semi-final between AFC Toronto and the Montreal Roses, played in snow. I joked with my friends that Rise would be fine because they were from Raincouver and Toronto had just played in a snow globe. The NSL had teams that essentially competed throughout all four Canadian seasons.
There were masterful performances on the fieldexceptional media coverage (I admit I may be biased) and a wealth of content created by players and team communications departments. There was even a documentary film made called Field chronicling creation of NSL former Canadian national team player Diana Matheson and her business partner Thomas Gilbert.
The excitement around the league has been plentiful and necessary as the league and each team continues to evolve. Although perhaps the women's soccer media in the US doesn't pay much attention to this – with the exception of one ridiculous comment from American pundit McCall Zerboni, who claimed that Halifax was “an island that can only be reached by ferry”.
Despite this tomfoolery, one of the most encouraging aspects of the first season was visiting various NSL markets and meeting with fan groups from Halifax to Vancouver. At press day this week before the championship game, I arranged to speak with several members Crow Teamgroup of Vancouver supporters at the CBC Television Center in downtown Toronto. NSL invited student journalists and members of the public to the event. The crows happily received me when I approached them and cawed heartily.
Tanya Fader, Tracey Harley and Sam Christian from the Crows spoke to me about what it means to them to have this band and be able to support the Rising. All four Ravens talked about being big sports fans, but due to their age, they didn't have the same opportunities when they were younger.
“The big part for us… is what we could have done if it was around the same age,” the 55-year-old Christian said. “We grew up in England, Scotland and Vancouver. We didn't have that opportunity. Or if we did, it wasn't obvious. So it means a lot to us.”
Fader told me about the opportunity to be part of a team that feels safe for those who love the sport, welcomes new members and is valued by the team.
“The support is coming back,” she said. “It’s like, go for it!”
The Vancouver Rise captured the Diane B. Matheson Trophy after being crowned NSL champions after beating AFC Toronto FC 2-1.
Throughout the season, I and other members of the media asked players and coaches what it meant to have such loyal fans. Players say fans provide them with unparalleled support.
Last week, during a snowy semi-final at York Lions Stadium, AFC Toronto fans (known as the Vermillion Vanguard) were on hand to help clear the snow. I met my friend, Sonia Corey Missio, President of BB, who explained that they were there “on shift” to offer support and assistance in any way possible.
For avid NSL fans, it's not just about singing and singing songs, but also helping to fight the elements. She told CBC's interview There's “a lot of work to be done” in the lead-up to the finale, but it's definitely worth it. Missio told me in a message that BB had become her “chosen family.” The Toronto-based group includes members from across southern Ontario and began meeting in December 2024, well before the start of the season.
These groups support not only the team, but also each other.
And this support extends to all fan groups across the country. During the finale, the fan sections unfurled a beautiful tifo that each group had compiled and put together. It's like a patchwork quilt of commitments to support women's football and to continue to develop and enjoy the beautiful game.
While there were moments when I was filled with gratitude for the opportunity to cover the NSL as part of the CBC broadcast team, I continued to ask questions about the league and some of the issues surrounding it.
Speaking to several players recently, they told me that there is no collective agreement yet, and that is a concern. Yes, this league promised and delivered fair wages, parental leave and expensive health insurance. Matheson often said that it was the only league in the world that was “built by players for players.” Intentionality is marked and important to the narrative. However, the lack of a specific collective bargaining agreement for players should not be discounted.
In August 2024, the US National Women's Soccer League reached agreement with the NWSLPA, officially ending the college draft system. The agreement gave young players more flexibility and increased minimum wages.
At the moment, the NSL does not have a players' association through which players can negotiate. There is an advisory committee and this is important as the league is established and continues to work towards sustainability. League President Christina Litz confirmed via email that the committee includes six players, as well as a league liaison to assist. Their last meeting took place three weeks before the finals because the league wanted to “consult with the group” on several issues.
But because the NSL is dedicated to accessing professional opportunities for women in Canada, it is important for players to have systems in place to formally protect their labor. Much of the struggle to create a domestic women's league in Canada was fought over the devaluation of women's labor.
Litz was asked this week if the league was profitable and responded, “We're in investment mode.” Luckily, there's also a new investment promise from federal government $5.45 million for women's soccer development.
I have no doubt that the league wants what's best for the players.
The Vancouver Rise defeated Toronto FC 2-1, making history as the team won the first-ever NSL Championship in Toronto.
Matheson's former teammates such as Christine Sinclair, Steph Labbe and the recently retired Desi Scott and Erin McLeod are deeply involved with the clubs as investors, part of management or as recent players. (Scott and McLeod played for NSL teams Ottawa Rapid and Halifax Tides respectively before announcing they were retiring from their professional careers.)
They obviously care deeply about the success of the league and the players. There is a saying: “It’s not personal, it’s business.” But what if business is deeply personal?
NSL is both. The hearts are in the right place, as are the legs in the right place on the board.
After covering women's soccer around the world, I relished the opportunity to work in Canada and cover professional women's soccer. It won't be perfect, nothing will ever be perfect. But success is a choice determined by action, and Canadians need to get on board and ensure the league continues to do right by its players.
The end is beautiful because it often marks the beginning of a new chapter. I hope this story continues as women's and women's soccer continues to thrive in Canada.
