Delaney Baie (DB) Pridham, the recipient of the Golden Boot and Player of the Year awards in the Northern Super League (NSL), has agreed to a contract extension with Rapid FC that will keep her with the team until the end of the 2028 season. The 28-year-old has netted 28 goals in the NSL’s initial two seasons and has also made several appearances for the Canadian national women’s team, positioning her to be part of the squad aiming to secure a spot in the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Originally from Saratoga, California, Pridham, a Santa Clara University alumna, has previously played for IBV in Iceland and Kristianstads DFF and Linköpings FC in Sweden, but she takes great pride in representing Ottawa. She expressed enthusiasm for the club’s strong foundation and the ambitious vision of its new owners, highlighting her contentment with the city’s beauty and the growing support from the fan base.
Thomas Gilbert, the CEO of Rapid FC, expressed his lack of surprise at Pridham’s decision to prolong her stay with the team, noting ongoing discussions that led to the agreement. The specifics of the contract extension were not disclosed.
Pridham is not the sole Canadian talent making a move to Ottawa, as former national team standout Carmelina Moscato has been announced as the head coach for the upcoming season, succeeding Katrine Pederson. Moscato, with coaching experience in various countries, adds to the high-caliber talent pool joining the NSL, a development that Gilbert views as a testament to the league’s quality and growth trajectory.
While player movement between leagues is a common occurrence, both Gilbert and NSL president Christina Litz emphasized the proactive measures taken to retain talent within the league by offering competitive conditions and contract values. Players often have personal reasons influencing their decisions to switch clubs or leagues, with some moves aligning with strategic considerations or mutual agreements between players and their current clubs.
The NSL acts as a platform for players to garner valuable playing time and experience, particularly for those eyeing national team opportunities. Recent acquisitions of prominent players such as Sabrina D’Angelo, Shelina Zadorsky at AFC Toronto, and Marie-Yasmine (Mimi) Alidou at Montreal Roses underscore the league’s appeal to elite players representing diverse nations, aligning with its goal to become one of the top five leagues globally.
As the league evolves, the emphasis remains on attracting and retaining top talent, with signings and contract extensions serving as indicators of success. The NSL’s unique offering of a playing environment in Canada, allowing players to stay close to their loved ones, plays a significant role in player decisions to commit to the league and aid in its growth trajectory.