MONTREAL -- Alyson Walker, a former all-star with the McGill University Martlets, has become the first woman to be appointed general secretary of Canada Soccer, the national governing body for the sport.

Walker, who graduated with a science degree from from McGill in 1997, went on to earn an MBA from the University of Toronto in 2005. She played four seasons at McGill from 1993-94 to 1996-97and was voted a Quebec conference second team all-star in her senior season. She has spent her post collegiate career career working in global sport, including leadership roles in media, amateur and professional sport, and e-sports. She also has extensive experience in both private and public markets.

"Alyson brings extensive business experience to her new role, and we are confident in her ability to lead us forward," said Charmaine Crooks, president of Canada Soccer, in a press release. "This important step signals a new direction for our organization as we unite our membership and continue to build toward the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and a home FIFA World Cup in 2026."

Walker, originally from Kingston, Ont., was selected from among more than 200 candidates identified as candidates for the position throughout the four-month search process. She worked closely with Canada Soccer as a leader with the Canadian Olympic Committee during the London 2012 Summer Games. Her resume includes stints Bell Media and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. She was also a founding board member with WISE Toronto (Women in Sports and Events), a member of the Commercial Women's Sport Advisory Group and an advisor with The Future of Sport Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University.

"I am privileged to become a part of the exceptional team at Canada Soccer and the soccer community in Canada, especially during this thrilling and significant phase for our sport both domestically and internationally," said Walker, who is scheduled to assume her new duties on Jan. 22. "I am dedicated to fostering growth across all facets of the game and ensuring athletes have safe and equitable environments to play and compete in. I look forward to collaborating with our players, teams, coaches and partners to build upon the sport's current foundation and elevating Canada Soccer to unprecedented levels."

With Bell Media she served as vice-president of brand partnerships and client strategy from 2016 to 2019. Before that she spent 20 months at MLSE as vice-president of content and almost four years as the Canadian Olympic Committee's executive director of marketing partnerships and licensing.

Most recently she served as chief commercial officer at OverActive Media, a Toronto-based esports organization.

SOURCE:
Canada Soccer
and
Earl Zukerman
Sports Info Officer
McGill Athletics & Recreation
earl.zukerman@mcgill.ca
(514) 983-7012 (cell)