Alyson Walker Named General Secretary at Canada Soccer

Former Canadian Olympic Committee and OverActive Media executive Alyson Walker has been named general secretary of Canada Soccer, making her the first woman to occupy the position at the national governing body.

Walker will officially begin in her new role on January 22, 2024. She most recently worked as the chief commercial officer at OverActive media in Toronto, creating a global esports organization. More than 200 candidates were identified throughout the four-month search process, Canada Soccer said in a release.

“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,” Walker said. “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.”

As a leader at the Canadian Olympic Committee as the executive director of sponsorships, licensing and commercial rights, Walker worked closely with Canada Soccer during the 2012 Olympic Summer Games in London. Walker is a founding board member with WISE Toronto, a member of the Commercial Women’s Sport Advisory Group and an Advisor ​with The Future of Sport Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University. ​She also has worked at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and Bell Media.

Canada Soccer remains locked in a labor dispute with the men’s and women’s national teams. Former men’s national team captain Jason deVos has been serving as Canada Soccer’s interim general secretary ever since he took over in April a week after Earl Cochrane stepped down. Nick Bontis stepped down as Canada Soccer president in February and acknowledged change was needed.

“Alyson brings extensive business experience to her new role and we are confident in her ability to lead us forward,” said Canada Soccer President Charmaine Crooks. “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.” ​