Arsenal’s winger Vivienne Lia has an encouraging message for young girls: “Embrace your love for football without any hesitation.”
“As youngsters, it can be challenging to step into the limelight of the sport, often feeling overshadowed simply because you are a girl,” she added.
At just 18 and currently lending her talents to Southampton on loan, Lia sees Arsenal’s grassroots programs as essential for inspiring girls to become involved in football.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its Arsenal in the Community initiative, the club released a report detailing its positive influence.
Arsenal pioneered community programs in the UK and now offers around 40 diverse initiatives each week, positively impacting over 5,000 individuals.
Among these, the girls’ football program stands out as particularly successful, offering complimentary training and mentorship weekly.
Sakinah Boateng, now 21, became involved with the program when she entered secondary school. Through her experiences at the club, she unearthed a passion for sports broadcasting, which she is now actively pursuing, thanks to Arsenal’s support.
“It has truly transformed my life,” she reflected. “While I no longer play football competitively, I’ve pursued a different path. The backing I’ve received from the Arsenal community is unparalleled.”
Leah Williamson, captain of the Lionesses and an Arsenal defender, expressed her delight at the number of girls participating in the program, though she acknowledged that much work remains. “We still face cultural obstacles and societal expectations regarding what girls should engage in. Changing these social norms is crucial.”
According to the club’s Economic and Social Impact Report, Arsenal made a significant contribution of £616 million to the UK economy during the 2022-23 season, with Islington receiving £425 million of that total.
Beyond the club’s financial impact, over 4,400 jobs across the UK were supported, including 1,600 local positions, all within just one season.
Local businesses also reaped the benefits, welcoming more than 1.6 million fans to the Emirates Stadium.
