The excitement surrounding women’s soccer was on full display in Canada’s capital on Saturday as fans gathered at TD Place for the Northern Super League (NSL) Championship Final. Although Ottawa’s Rapid FC didn’t make it to the championship, that didn’t stop local supporters like Krista Windsor from showing up to celebrate the game and the league’s growing success. “I’m just here to support both teams. It’s incredible that this league has just been around for two seasons. The numbers are increasing. The exposure is increasing,” said Windsor. Windsor said its huge for the country to finally have their own league. She says she’s still cheering for Ottawa, but Saturday was about supporting all the women taking the field. “Obviously, they’re not here today but we’re still going to support the women that are out there. Whoever wins, wins. We’re not picking sides today,” she said. Long lines stretched along Bank Street as soccer fans made their way to TD Place for the championship festivities. The Montreal Roses faced AFC Toronto, with supporters travelling from across the country to take in the historic matchup. Among them was Sandy Munro, who made the trip from Toronto to cheer on her team. “We drove all the way from Toronto to see our girls,” said Munro. For Munro, the opportunity to experience professional women’s soccer in person was about more than just the game. It was also about inspiring the next generation of players. “I think it’s really cool to be able to see this game live and to be here with our kids and our girls who also play soccer, to eventually see themselves in this platform,” she said. As the nation’s capital hosts the NSL championship, it also marked a special moment for Ottawa, as Mayor Mark Sutcliffe officially proclaimed Nov. 14, 2026, as Girls Soccer Day in Ottawa. The proclamation recognizes the rise and growing influence of Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league. “Girls Soccer Day in Ottawa encourages families, schools and community sports organizations to support women’s soccer and create more pathways for girls in sport,” said Sutcliffe. “Every kid should have a chance to play what they want to play,” said Rebecca Grenning, at the NSL game. Ten-year-old soccer player Rebecca Grenning had an extra reason to celebrate. Her parents brought her to the championship game for her birthday. “Our parents surprised us and they took us here from Newfoundland,” Rebecca said. “I still can’t believe I’m actually here.” Her mother, Tanya Grenning, says soccer offers young girls valuable lessons that go far beyond the field. “I love the fact that it’s a team sport. They learn to play together, work together and just build their confidence,” said Tanya. Tanya says both of her girls have been following up with the super league throughout the season and play with the same team that Lauren Rowe, AFC Toronto player, used to play for in Newfoundland. Fans also participated in activities with giveaways, sign making and games ahead of kickoff. For supporters like Barb Unrau, the growing popularity of women’s soccer is something worth celebrating. “Women playing soccer, it’s getting bigger and bigger every year. It’s nice to see,” said Unrau, “It’s nice to see the women or the little girls play.” While the championship marked another milestone for the NSL, fans say the momentum is only building and it’s an incredible time overall for women’s sport For Windsor, the league’s rapid growth is a sign that women’s soccer is finally getting the recognition it deserves. “It’s going upwards. We’re finally getting what we deserved all along,” said Windsor. She says her generation didn’t have the opportunities that the next generation is going to have and she’s looking forward to see it continue to grow. Olivia Chisholm’s first half goal allowed AFC Toronto to capture their first Diana B. Matheson Cup with a 1-0 victory over the Montreal Roses.
