Delaney Baie (DB) Pridham, the inaugural Golden Boot recipient and Player of the Year in the Northern Super League, has agreed to prolong her tenure with Rapid FC until the end of the 2028 season. With 28 goals to her credit in the first two seasons of the NSL, the 28-year-old standout has also made numerous appearances for Canada’s national women’s team, positioning herself for inclusion in the upcoming 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Originally hailing from Saratoga, Calif., Pridham, an alumna of Santa Clara University, has previously plied her trade with IBV in Iceland and Kristianstads DFF and Linköpings FC in Sweden. However, her allegiance lies with Ottawa where she finds great pride in representing the team.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Pridham remarked, “Being a part of such a strong club with our new owners sharing their vision for the future of the club excites me. I’m truly content here. It’s a beautiful city, and our fan base is growing remarkably.”
Thomas Gilbert, the CEO of Rapid FC, expressed his lack of surprise at Pridham’s decision to continue with the club, citing ongoing discussions that began a year ago. He praised Pridham’s dedication and confidence in reaching a mutually beneficial contractual agreement.
While the specifics of the contract extension were not disclosed, Pridham’s commitment to Ottawa FC underscores a broader trend of Canadian talents gravitating towards the NSL. Notably, former national team stalwart Carmelina Moscato has been appointed as Ottawa’s head coach, succeeding Katrine Pederson, bringing a wealth of coaching experience from various countries.
Gilbert highlighted the league’s ambition to be among the world’s top leagues, emphasizing the strategic signings of top-tier talents like Pridham and Moscato as indicative of the league’s upward trajectory.
Player movement within the league and beyond is viewed as a natural part of the soccer ecosystem, with efforts being made to create an environment that fosters player retention and satisfaction. The NSL’s allure, particularly for Canadian players, lies in offering valuable playing time and experiences that could potentially elevate their national team prospects.
As the NSL continues to attract top-tier players like Sabrina D’Angelo and Shelina Zadorsky at AFC Toronto and Marie-Yasmine (Mimi) Alidou at Montreal Roses, the league’s international appeal is on the rise. With aspirations to become a top-five global league, the NSL’s focus remains on attracting and retaining elite talents to bolster its competitiveness.
Moreover, the significance of playing in Canada and the proximity to family and friends serve as compelling factors for players opting to stay within the league. This sense of commitment and personal investment from players contributes significantly to the growth and success of the NSL.