AFC Toronto Welcomes Rising Star Leah Pais as the Club’s Second Official Signing

Published on
December 12, 2024

Toronto, ON (November 20, 2024) – AFC Toronto is thrilled to announce the signing of Canadian talent, and forward, Leah Pais (22 years old), a dynamic forward with an impressive record domestically and internationally on the professional stage. Following the historic signing of Jade Kovacevic, Pais becomes the second player to join AFC Toronto’s roster, further bolstering the team as it prepares for its debut season in the Northern Super League. 

Hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, Pais has built an impressive career marked by versatility, strong technical skills, and a natural ability to influence the game. She played NCAA Division I soccer at Florida State University, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of New York at Albany, excelling as a forward with 17 goals and 10 assists across her collegiate career. In League1 Ontario, Leah was a standout player for Vaughan Azzurri SC, earning All-Star First Team honours in 2019 and 2023 and being named Young Player of the Year in 2019. Most recently, she showcased her talent on a professional level with Thróttur Reykjavík FC in Iceland, proving her ability to thrive in high-performance environments.

(Picture from left to right: Marko Milanovic, Head Coach of AFC Toronto, Leah Pais, Billy Wilson, Sporting Director, Photo accreditation: Creo Visions) 

“Leah’s path to this point speaks volumes about the kind of player she is,” said Marko Milanovic, Head Coach of AFC Toronto. “She’s determined, fiercely competitive, and has a never-say-die attitude. Leah is already playing out in her head what kind of player she wants to be—a determined competitor who will do whatever it takes to win. We’re thrilled to see how her energy and tenacity will impact our team this season.” 

Pais brings a distinctive combination of technical skill, vision, and tactical intelligence, along with a dedication to the game that truly sets her apart. Her impressive record at the domestic level, in NCAA Division I, and playing professionally adds strength to the club as it prepares for its debut season in the Northern Super League. 

“I am beyond grateful to be joining AFC Toronto at such a pivotal time for women’s soccer in Canada. This is a dream come true—not just for me but for so many young girls across the GTA who aspire to play professionally,” said Leah Pais. “ AFC Toronto and the Northern Super League are providing us with an incredible platform to stay, play and grow in Canada. I’m thrilled to start this journey with the team, and I can’t wait to make an impact on and off the field.” 

More player announcements are set to be released over the coming months and into the new year as the team prepares for its debut season. 

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