It's almost 3:30 p.m. on a weekday afternoon and AFC Toronto's latest signing, Cloey Uddenberg is getting ready to coach the next generation of players who one day might follow in her footsteps.

At just 22, Uddenberg is already a well-travelled footballer, from playing internationally for St. Kitts & Nevis to playing in university for Guelph, South Alabama and Purdue. But to her, there's no place like home.

For the Richmond Hill, Ont., native, who spends much of her free time coaching for Aurora Soccer Club, the opportunity to sign her first professional contract for AFC Toronto in the Northern Super League is a dream come true.

"For me, it goes beyond having my friends and family being able to watch me play," Uddenberg told CBC Sports.

Uddenberg's collegiate journey began at the University of Guelph, where she was named the 2021 U Sports rookie of the year as a midfielder. She later transferred to South Alabama, where she experienced an undefeated regular season, and then Purdue, building a reputation as a consistent and reliable performer at the NCAA D-I level.

"Cloey has excelled at mastering the fundamentals, an often underrated yet essential quality in professional football," said Marko Milanovic, head coach of AFC Toronto.

"Her versatility and relentless work ethic will elevate our team's performance, and we couldn't be more excited to have her on board."

Internationally, Uddenberg has represented the Sugar Girlz at both the youth and senior level, participating in CONCACAF World Cup and Olympic qualifying tournaments. Two of her sisters have also played for the St. Kitts & Nevis squad — younger sister Kayla and older sister Carley.

"Those experiences have made me into the player I am today," she said of playing for the island nations, where her father's parents were born and raised.

"To be exposed to that, getting minutes at age 14, 15, 16 on the senior national team, playing in those big tournaments, helped me grow as a person and player and learn how to adapt."

More recently, Uddenberg starred for Simcoe Rovers FC in League1 Ontario, earning back-to-back all-star honours and being named the 2023 Midfielder of the Year.

The signing also comes on the same day of its merchandise release.

Uddenberg had a chance to preview the goods and said she loves the colours, but the messaging even more.

"'Run it Our Way' just represents who we are and what we're here to do. We want to build something our way because it's never been done before. It goes beyond just being a piece of clothing."

AFC Toronto is one of six Northern Super League teams, including Halifax Tides FC, Montreal Roses FC, Ottawa Rapid FC, Calgary Wild FC and Vancouver Rise FC.

Canada's first women's domestic professional league kicks off its inaugural season in April 2025.

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