Jun 4, 2026
Kaela Hansen on the Creativity of Soccer
The AFC Toronto player discusses the intersection of art and soccer
Photo by Sean Pollock.
It can elicit a range of emotional responses. It’s a cornerstone of cultures across the globe. It takes years of training, dedication, and passion to become an expert in (and on) the field — art and soccer may have more in common than most people think.
Visitors can explore the intersection between visual art and soccer at Maker Night: Soccer Life Drawing, taking place at the AGO on Wednesday, June 10, from 6 pm to 8 pm in Walker Court. This event is included in general admission.
In this edition of Maker Night, live models from Toronto’s women’s professional soccer club, AFC Toronto, will showcase their soccer skills on artificial turf in Walker Court as participants capture their movements on paper.
Before her life drawing modelling debut at the AGO, Foyer caught up with AFC Defender Kaela Hansen to learn more about how she incorporates creativity into soccer.
AFC Defender Kaela Hansen. Photo by Sean Pollock.
Foyer: How long have you been playing soccer, and what drew you to the sport?
Hansen: I’ve been playing soccer for as long as I can remember — it started when I was a kid growing up in Burnaby, BC, and I instantly fell in love with the competitiveness, creativity, and team environment that came with the sport. What drew me in most was how expressive the game could be. No two players see the field the same way, and I loved being able to develop my own style within the game.
I currently play as a defender for AFC Toronto. I enjoy the balance of defending and attacking because it allows me to impact the game in a lot of different ways — whether that’s shutting down plays defensively or helping create opportunities going forward.
Are you a fan of visiting art museums like the AGO?
I actually do enjoy visiting art galleries and museums like the AGO. Even if you’re not someone who studies art deeply, there’s something really inspiring about seeing different forms of creativity and expression come to life. I think art and sports are more connected than people sometimes realize.
Much like art, sports can be a creative outlet. In your opinion, how do expression and creativity factor into soccer?
In soccer, creativity and expression are huge. Tactically, the sport is structured, but within that structure there’s so much room for individuality — whether it’s how someone moves on the ball, sees a pass that nobody else sees, or brings energy and personality into the game. Some of the best moments in soccer come from instinct and creativity, and I think that’s very similar to art. Both allow people to express emotion, identity, and perspective in a way that feels authentic to them.
Come explore the intersections between soccer, art, expression, and creativity by attending Maker Night: Soccer Life Drawing on June 10 at the AGO with live modelling by AFC players Kaela Hansen and Sarah Rollins. This event is included with admission.
