Arsenal Women's Football Club boasts a history rooted in community engagement and a commitment to inclusivity. What started as a humble initiative to provide girls in North London with a safe and welcoming space to play football has blossomed into a team that has achieved unprecedented success, securing 60 major trophies and solidifying its position as the most successful women's team in England.
The journey began in the 1980s with girls-only football sessions organized by Arsenal in the Community. These sessions served as a catalyst for something much bigger, laying the foundation for the team's establishment in 1987. Since then, continuous investment by the club has fueled the team's growth, transforming it from a grassroots project into a professional powerhouse.
Arsenal's commitment to community extends beyond the pitch. The club recognizes the importance of addressing societal issues that impact athletes, particularly young women. In February 2025, Arsenal Women partnered with Persil to launch the "Every Stain Should Be Part of the Game" campaign, aimed at destigmatizing period leaks and menstruation in football. This initiative seeks to challenge the double standard that often exists, where blood-soaked socks are seen as a sign of strength, while a period stain is viewed as embarrassing.
The campaign involves workshops and programs designed to educate and support children and adolescents, fostering open conversations and understanding about periods and sports. Players like Leah Williamson and Beth Mead have been vocal about their experiences with menstruation-related anxiety, further highlighting the need for greater awareness and support.
Arsenal also recognizes the importance of creating a culture of inclusivity within the club and the wider community. In March 2025, the club launched its first-ever Arsenal Women's lifestyle collection, paying tribute to the community's dedication to inclusivity. The collection's release coincided with International Women's Day, honoring Arsenal Women's 38-year history and celebrating the players, legends, and supporters who have championed growth and inclusivity in the women's game.
The launch event, a sapphic after-party, further underscored the club's commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces for all members of the Arsenal family. This event followed a significant victory over Tottenham Hotspur, demonstrating the club's on-field success and its dedication to fostering a supportive and welcoming environment.
Arsenal's community initiatives extend to younger girls as well. The Arsenal Girls Kicks Programme, run in collaboration with community organizations like Brandon Centre, aims to engage females between the ages of 8 and 17, providing them with a safe and supportive environment to participate in sports. The program focuses on addressing issues that often prevent girls from participating in sports, such as body changes, puberty, and increased anxiety.
Through partnerships with experts, the program tackles these issues in a meaningful way, providing participants with a holistic approach to well-being and performance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the program adapted by moving to online workshops, focusing on activities that kept the girls connected and supported.
Arsenal Women's success is not just about trophies and accolades; it's about the positive impact the club has on its community. Through initiatives that promote inclusivity, destigmatize menstruation, and empower young girls, Arsenal Women is creating a legacy that extends far beyond the football pitch. The club's commitment to community engagement serves as a model for other sports organizations, demonstrating the power of sport to drive positive social change.
