Cloey Uddenberg becomes 3rd local player to sign for Northern Super League's AFC Toronto

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