Inside the Business of Canadian Soccer | Laura Armstrong on Media, Growth & World Cup Momentum

Canadian soccer is entering a defining era — on the field and behind the scenes.In this episode of The 1st Half Culture Show, Laura Armstrong, Vice President of Communications & Business Integration at Canadian Soccer Media & Entertainment, joins us in studio to break down the rebranding of CSME, the evolution of the Canadian soccer ecosystem, and what this moment means with the World Cup on home soil.A former Toronto Star journalist who covered major milestones including the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and Canada’s men’s qualification for 2022, Laura shares her journey from newsroom to executive leadership — and why storytelling, media rights, and strategic alignment are essential to growing the game nationally.We dive into:The CSME rebrand and realignment with Canada SoccerBuilding a “soccer content ecosystem” in CanadaBundesliga & WSL media rights strategyThe growth of women’s football and 95,000 at WembleyWhy CPL moments matter culturallyJournalism lessons that shaped her leadershipWhy football is more than sport — it’s familyIf you care about where Canadian soccer is headed — this episode is essential listening.