In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, Laura sits down with Sam, the Marketing Director and Head of Community Relations at Burlington Soccer Club. Sam shares her inspiring journey from coaching in York Region to leading through a pandemic and eventually landing at Burlington. She reflects on the challenges of keeping a non-profit sports club afloat during COVID-19, the shift to virtual training, and the importance of reconnecting with the community post-pandemic. Sam also highlights how Burlington has prioritized mental health, multi-sport participation, and community partnerships—like their Girls Can Play Day and collaborations with the Burlington Humane Society and Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation.

Sam dives into Burlington’s wide range of soccer programs, from toddlers to seniors, including their all-abilities program and high-performance teams. She stresses the importance of open communication between parents, coaches, and players, especially when navigating development stages or team placements. Drawing from her MBA research on women and girls in sport, Sam emphasizes how multi-sport participation and leadership opportunities benefit young athletes beyond the game. Her message is clear: creating positive, inclusive experiences in sport isn’t just about winning—it’s about building stronger, healthier communities.