From the pitches of Southwestern Ontario to the fast-paced arenas of Canada and the US, April Syme has carved out a remarkable path in Canadian women’s soccer. Currently a key midfielder for FC Berlin in the MASL-W, Syme brings a unique blend of experience, skill, and vision to the game, honed through years of competitive play at both collegiate and club levels. Her journey reflects a commitment not only to athletic excellence but also to the growth of women’s soccer in Canada.

April enjoyed a standout collegiate career at the University of West Florida, earning multiple conference and regional honours while establishing herself as a dominant presence on the field. During her time with the program, she helped lead the team to an NCAA National Championship and was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team. Syme also received All-Conference honours and was recognized as the Gulf South Conference Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. She finished as the team’s leading goal scorer in 2015, and her contributions to the program’s success were further recognized when she and her teammates from the 2012 season were inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame.

Since returning to Ontario, she has continued to make her mark, excelling with the Woodbridge Strikers in League1 Ontario and now with FC Berlin, where her leadership and creativity in midfield have become vital to the team’s success.

Beyond her accomplishments on the pitch, Syme’s story is also one of mentorship and inspiration. She has contributed to youth soccer development and serves as a role model for aspiring players, combining her love of the game with a dedication to fostering the next generation of talent. In this interview, we dive into her journey, her experiences in professional and indoor soccer, and her vision for the future of the sport.

As someone who is both playing and mentoring young athletes, what lessons from your own journey do you try to pass on to the next generation?
One of the biggest lessons I share is that talent opens the door, but character, work ethic, and resilience are what keep you there. I want young athletes to understand that challenges are part of the process, and the way you respond to them is what truly shapes you.

What has your experience been like playing in the Major Arena Soccer League Women, and how do you feel the league is helping grow the women’s indoor game?
Playing in the Major Arena Soccer League has been an incredible experience. The environment is competitive, fast-paced, and filled with talented players who are passionate about the game. Arena soccer brings a different energy compared to outdoor, it’s quicker, more intense, very physical and demands constant creativity and quick decision-making, which makes it exciting for both players and fans.

What’s really exciting is seeing how the league is helping grow the women’s indoor game. The league is still relatively new to us, but it’s already creating more opportunities for women to compete at a high level and bringing more visibility to indoor soccer across North America. Having a structured league under the MASL umbrella is helping build a pathway for players, connecting teams across different regions, and inspiring younger athletes who may not have previously seen many opportunities in the indoor format.

Arena soccer has a very different rhythm compared to the outdoor game. What aspects of MASL-W suit your game the most?
I think the fast pace and physicality of the MASL-W really suit my game. I’m a competitive, aggressive player who loves to work hard and combine with teammates, and the indoor game creates a lot of opportunities for quick combinations and high-energy play.