AFC TORONTO MEDIA POLICY 

Thank you for your interest in covering AFC Toronto. Your presence at our training sessions, matches and events plays an essential role in helping grow the game and amplifying the stories that make women’s soccer so powerful. 

As a new chapter begins with the Northern Super League, we believe media coverage is more than just reporting — it’s about building visibility, inspiring the next generation and ensuring the athletes and communities shaping this league are seen and celebrated. We’re grateful to have you alongside us as we work to elevate the profile of professional women’s soccer in Canada. 

To help ensure your experience on match days and at training sessions runs smoothly, we kindly ask that you take a moment to review the media guidelines and policies outlined by AFC Toronto and the Northern Super League. 

If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the AFC Toronto media team at media@afctoronto.ca. 

Media Code of Conduct  

Media credentials and access will be granted only to individuals with a legitimate working function at a match, training session or league-sanctioned event. Credentials are non-transferable and may not be shared, resold or used for personal purposes. Unauthorized use of credentials is grounds for removal from the venue and permanent revocation. 

The following actions may result in ejection and/or credential seizure: 

  • Requesting autographs
  • Taking photos with players or coaches
  • Using credentials for friends, family or guests
  • Conducting unauthorized interviews
  • Unprofessional behaviour (e.g. cheering in the press box, consuming alcohol, or disregarding venue rules)
  • Posting photos of media credentials on social media 

Credential Process 

At this time, media members looking to cover AFC Toronto matches may only apply for single-match credentials for our inaugural match and home opener April 19 game. Applications for full-season credentials will open later in April, with more details to follow. 

Credential replacement 
If a media member loses their season credential, a replacement may be issued at the club’s discretion. A replacement cost will apply. Please report lost credentials immediately to media@afctoronto.ca. 

Types of credentials available 

  • Single-match credentials 
     Provide media access to an individual AFC Toronto home match. These are ideal for outlets or journalists covering select matches or working on a specific story. 
     (Applications are submitted on a rolling basis and must be received at least 72 hours before kickoff.) 
     
  • Full-season credentials 
     Grant ongoing access to all AFC Toronto home matches for the 2025 season, including regular media accommodations and priority seating. 
     (Applications for full-season credentials will open later in April.) 
     
  • Single-match credential applications will open on a monthly basis, aligned with that month’s match schedule. 
  • Applications must be submitted no later than 72 hours before kickoff, and approved applicants will receive confirmation and further details at least 48 hours before the match.
  • Credential requests are only permitted for media outlets requiring match day press box or field-level photographer access for the purpose of producing editorial coverage. This includes writers, photographers and verified digital publications that consistently produce professional content aligned with recognized journalistic standards.
  • Press box space and credentials are limited, and priority will be given to full-season credential holders and those working on a deadline.
  • Applications from freelance writers, photographers or videographers will be assessed by the club and will be granted on a case-by-case basis to ensure professional and editorial purpose of the coverage.
  • Social media: AFC Toronto does not issue credentials to individuals or outlets whose sole intent is to create social media content (e.g. Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook or TikTok) without a broader editorial purpose. 

Media Attire 

  • Media covering AFC Toronto training sessions or matches are expected to dress professionally. Credential media must not wear apparel representing opposing clubs, leagues or national teams.
  • Failure to comply may result in revocation of credentials. 

Professionalism & Conduct 

  • Credentials are issued for professional, editorial use only. Media members may not use their access to request autographs, take personal photos or make other non-editorial requests.
  • In accordance with the Northern Super League Media Access Policy, violations of these expectations may result in immediate loss of credentials.
  • When specified in press releases or official club communications, any information provided for planning purposes is not to be shared publicly. 

YORK LIONS STADIUM FACILITIES & ACCESS 

Media Check-In at Gate 1 

  • All media must check in at the media/staff entrance, located at the doors next to Gate 1 on the north side of York Lions Stadium.
  • A sign will be posted to direct you. Upon arrival, provide your full name and media outlet to stadium security. You will receive a credential, which must be worn and visible at all times while inside the stadium.
  • For security reasons, media members are asked not to photograph or share images of their credentials.
  • Media check-in opens two (2) hours prior to kickoff unless otherwise noted. All media areas, including the press box and photo workroom, will also open at that time.
  • All credentials are non-transferable. Any unauthorized use may result in ejection from the stadium and confiscation of the credential.
  • Photographers will receive field bibs at the media desk, located at the media/staff entrance. Bibs must be worn at all times while on the field and returned before leaving the stadium. 

Parking Notice 

  • York Lions Stadium offers public on-site parking for a fee, subject to availability. Please note that AFC Toronto does not own or operate these parking facilities and cannot provide parking passes or guarantee space. We strongly recommend arriving early to secure parking or considering alternative transportation options. 

Press Box Media Seating and Work Areas 

  • Credentialed print media will have access to the press box (third floor), the media overflow/press conference room (third floor).
  • Press box seating is limited and will be reserved for full-season media members. An overflow room will be available in the South Lounge at York Lions Stadium for additional working media, observers or referees.
  • Please sit in your assigned seat, as indicated on the seating chart posted outside the press box entrance.
  • Only working media are permitted in the press box. Cheering, celebrating and loud noises are not allowed.
  • Water and snacks will be provided to credentialed media.
  • Player agents, VIPs and non-working guests are not permitted in media-designated areas. 

On-Field Photographers & Camera Access 

  • On-field camera access will be restricted to a limited number of credentialed media members (photographers only). All access is subject to approval by the club.
  • Photographers must remain behind the field boards, within marked zones stretching from the top of the 18-yard box to the endline. Movement behind goals or team benches during match play is not permitted.
  • Photographer access requires both a valid credential and a club-issued bib. One monopod per photographer is allowed; tripods are not permitted.
  • Movement from one end of the field to the other is only permitted at halftime. All photographers must enter and exit the field via the south end tunnel on Level 1.
  • Media members with field access must use professional-grade equipment during matches. Mobile phones, handheld devices or point-and-shoot cameras are not permitted.
  • Unauthorized use or failure to follow these guidelines may result in loss of access or removal from the field.
  • Please note AFC Toronto will provide a photo workstation near the South end tunnel area inside the stadium and will be limited to a select number of photographers at a time.
  • Bibs will be distributed at the Media Check-In Desk and will only be assigned to those with professional-grade equipment, as determined by AFC Toronto media staff.
  • Please return the bibs after the conclusion of the game. 

Travelling Media 

  • AFC Toronto will provide press box seating for visiting media.
  • Visiting media must apply for accreditation through AFC Toronto’s accreditation portal for the match they are attending.
  • If any issues arise, travelling media should contact the communications lead of the team they cover for support. 

Video Access and Footage Rights 

  • All match footage is the property of the Northern Super League and its official broadcast rights holders.
  • No individual or organization may record, reproduce or distribute match footage without written permission from the NSL communications office at media@nsl.ca. 

Television Broadcasters (Non-Rights Holders) 

  • May use up to two minutes of footage for news programming within one week of the match.
  • May record the first 15 minutes of each half of televised or streamed matches strictly for use in editorial storytelling or match coverage. This footage may not be streamed or posted in full on any social or digital platform. 

Online Video & Usage 

  • Match action may not be filmed or shared online without approval from the Northern Super League.
  • Non-match content — including training footage and interviews — is limited to eight (8) minutes of video per day.
  • All online videos must be professional in quality and include links to official NSL platforms.
  • Embedded advertising and monetization of NSL-related video content is strictly prohibited. 
Media Access at Training 
  • A weekly training schedule will be sent to the media via email at the beginning of the week.
  • Unless otherwise noted, media will have access to watch, film and photograph training during a 15-minute window at the start of the session. Any sessions with additional or restricted access will be clearly marked in the weekly schedule.
  • All training access is subject to RSVP and confirmation. Media must contact the AFC Toronto media team in advance at media@afctoronto.ca. 

Matchday -1 and -2 Media Access 

  • Per NSL media policy, all matchday -1 and -2 training sessions include a 15-minute open window for media to observe, film and photograph.
  • AFC Toronto will also conduct a formal pre-match press conference on matchday -1 or -2, featuring the head coach along with players selected by the club. Time and location will be shared in the weekly media schedule.
  • Additional interview requests will be considered when possible. 

Post-Match Media Access 

  • AFC Toronto will designate interview areas within the venue for post-match media availability. Locker room access is not permitted.
  • After each match, a member of the coaching staff, along with two designated players, will participate in a post-match press conference.
  • The visiting team will participate first, approximately 10 minutes after the final whistle.
  • The home team will follow.
  • The press conference will be moderated by the home club’s media representative.
  • The club will confirm which players are available before the end of the match. All post-match media requests should be directed to the AFC Toronto media team at media@afctoronto.ca. 

Interview Access: Players 

  • During the regular season, select players will be available for scrum-style interviews at the club’s training facility once per week, held either before or after training, at the club’s discretion.
  • Additional players may be made available during designated media availability periods, with advance notice.
  • Requests for one-on-one interviews should be submitted with as much notice as possible, and at least 72 hours in advance of the intended interview time. All requests are subject to approval.
  • All media requests should be directed to the AFC Toronto media team at media@afctoronto.ca. 

Interview Access: Head Coach Marko Milanovic and Assistant Coach Sylvia Forbes 

  • During the regular season, AFC Toronto’s coaching staff will be available to the media on designated days, as noted in the team’s weekly training calendar.
  • Requests for interviews outside of these windows can be submitted to the club’s media team at media@afctoronto.ca.
  • Coaching staff will be available for video conference calls, including weekly sessions with the opposing club’s media upon request.
  • All one-on-one interview requests should be submitted with as much notice as possible, and at least 72 hours in advance of the intended interview time. All requests are subject to approval. 

MEDIA CREDENTIAL REVIEW 

A media member may be placed under review or have their credentials revoked if any of the media guidelines are violated. Examples of conduct that may lead to credential suspension or revocation include, but are not limited to: 

  • Verbal abuse toward AFC Toronto staff, players or other media
  • Requesting autographs during media events (training, press conferences or games)
  • Taking photographs with players or coaches outside of approved availability windows
  • Using a credential to grant access to family, friends or non-working individuals
  • Conducting unauthorized interviews
  • Regularly entering restricted areas without permission
  • Cheering, shouting or displaying bias in the press box
  • Consuming alcoholic beverages while in media-designated spaces
  • Asking inappropriate or unrelated questions (e.g. personal, non-soccer topics)
  • Escorting unaccredited third parties into media areas
  • Sharing non-public information provided for planning purposes only
  • Repeated unprofessional behaviour after being reminded of media policies 

Media Inquiries and Contact Information 

For requests related to official NSL match footage, interviews with league representatives or other broadcast-related matters, please contact the NSL Communications Office at media@nsl.ca. 

For club-specific inquiries, including interview requests, credentials and media access, please contact the AFC Toronto media team at media@afctoronto.ca. 

Media Services 

To be added to AFC Toronto’s media distribution list and receive press releases, media advisories and updates, please email media@afctoronto.ca. 

Recent press releases can also be found here.  

All media services are subject to change in consultation with the league. 

Club Communications Team and Contact 

Maailah Blackwood 
Manager, Communications and Community Engagement 
media@afctoronto.ca 

For all media inquiries, interview requests and credential questions, please contact the AFC Toronto communications team at the email above.