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KAITLYN’S SPORT STORIES: SEPTEMBER 26, 2025

In this edition, we catch up on the Toronto Tempo’s big weekend in Montréal, including events, activations, and exciting news! We also check in on Team Canada as they chase finals history at the Women’s Rugby World Cup this weekend and highlight the first-ever Northern Super League playoffs and kick off of their documentary tour. Lastly, we share details on Canadian Women & Sport’s latest campaign, Get Girl Coached.

TORONTO TEMPO TOUCHES DOWN IN MONTRéAL

 

Photo from Kaitlyn Lehbert

The Toronto Tempo brought Tempo Live, their fan festival to Montréal during Prospect Showdown Weekend at the Bell Centre, keeping the energy high and the community excited to engage.

Partnering with founding partner CIBC, the Mathurin Family Foundation, Ball Her Way, and Slam Camp Basketball, the Tempo’s presence stretched across multiple events. They also caught up with some familiar faces from the PWHL’s Montréal Victoire, blending women’s basketball and women’s hockey worlds together.

Shortly after the Montréal edition of Tempo Live, the franchise made an exciting announcement: they’ll be hosting two regular season games at the Bell Centre during their inaugural 2026 WNBA season.

This is the perfect opportunity to mention that Canadian sports brand, Peace Collective sells a “Montréal ❤️ WNBA” shirt. It’s on sale now here (though sizes are running out fast).

The Tempo also confirmed more upcoming community events across Canada, continuing to grow their presence in the country. While WNBA playoffs are underway, the Toronto Tempo will be hosting WNBA Finals watch parties at the beginning of October in cities Toronto, Halifax, Montréal, and Vancouver. You can find more details here.

 

CANADIAN WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM TO COMPETE IN HISTORIC FINAL MATCH UP

 

Photo from Kaitlyn Lehbert

The No.2 ranked Canadian women’s national rugby team is one victory away from a Rugby World Cup title.

Canada has stormed through the tournament with dominant wins, setting up a highly anticipated final against England this Saturday at 11 AM EST, on TSN. The match is expected to draw a crowd of over 82,000 fans, making it the most attended women’s rugby game in history.

Here’s a look at their road to the finals during the World Cup:

  • Canada vs. Fiji: 65–7
  • Canada vs. Wales: 42–0
  • Canada vs. Scotland: 40–19
  • (Quarterfinals) Canada vs. Australia: 46–5
  • (Semifinals) Canada vs. New Zealand: 34–19

It all comes down to one match.

Canada’s progress throughout this Rugby World Cup also serves as an important reminder: the team had to fundraise their way to compete on this stage. Win or lose tomorrow, may Canada’s fight in this World Cup remind funders, sponsors, and decision makers that this team has always deserved proper support.

 

NORTHERN SUPER LEAGUE PLAYOFFS ARE QUICKLY APPROACHING

 

Photo from Brittany Cleland

The inaugural Northern Super League playoffs are just around the corner, and the stage is nearly set.

Three teams have already clinched their spots: AFC Toronto, Ottawa Rapid FC, and Montréal Roses FC. The final playoff spot is still in play, with Vancouver Rise FC and Calgary Wild FC fighting for the last ticket to the semifinals. Unfortunately, Halifax Tides FC remain outside contention.

Playoff format:

  • Semifinals will be a two-game series at the beginning of November.
  • The Final will take place on November 15 at Toronto’s BMO Field.

Off the pitch, the league has launched its THE PITCH documentary tour, beginning in Calgary. Members of the Girls Forward team were there on opening night to see the story of the NSL’s historic first season come alive on the big screen. The upcoming screenings and more details can be found here.

get girl coached campaign advocates for girls-centred decision making in sports

Canadian Women & Sport have rolled out a brand-new campaign, Get Girl Coached, dedicated to building a sport system where every girl feels she belongs.

The campaign includes workshops, free guides, a new research report, grant information sessions, and opportunities for one-on-one consultation.

Key pillars of the campaign include:

  • Coach for Her – supporting coaches, recreation leaders, teachers, and administrators
  • Design for Her – guidance for leaders and policy makers
  • Invest in Her – resources for corporate and brand leaders

You can watch the campaign video here and access resources here.

 

The stories of the week show girls in sport and physical activity that:

  • Bringing professional women’s basketball to iconic Canadian venues like the Bell Centre creates memorable fan experiences and cements Canada’s place on the WNBA map. The partnerships, community events, and watch parties surrounding the Toronto Tempo are building blocks toward the team becoming Canada’s team and perhaps even paving the way for a second WNBA franchise in the country one day.
  • Rugby Canada’s run to the World Cup final shows the impact of persistence, preparation, and belief. Their historic journey proves that Canadian women can stand on the biggest stages in sport and draw record-breaking crowds while doing it.
  • Campaigns like Get Girl Coached remind us that behind every strong athlete is a supportive coach, mentor, or system. When sport environments are designed with girls in mind, more of them not only stay in the game but thrive in it.

 

 

Kaitlyn’s Sport Stories Recap are written by Kaitlyn Lehbert, a passionate and driven sport advocate for girls and women. Kaitlyn holds her Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Brock University. Learn more about Kaitlyn by clicking here!

Have a sport story you want to share? Contact info@girlsforward.ca and it may get featured in Kaitlyn’s next feature.

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