The Gooner: Women's Edition - Season 2024-25 - Issue 4
CARDY’S COLUMN
Proud to work with a great team in our second print issue 2
GOONER SOCIAL
Collection of the best tweets 4
DIVIJA CHHABRA
Spotlight on Arsenal’s first and only South Asian player, Aman Dosanj 6
PRESS BOX DIARIES
Behind the scenes following Arsenal as a journalist 10
DAISY GOODHAND
Being pitchside at the North London Derby 14
SUZY LYCETT
Being behind the lens at the Champions League QF’s 18
SUZY LYCETT
Suzy’s stunning snaps of Madrid 22
JOSEPH ROSEDON
Transferring Meadow Park’s atmosphere to the Emirates Stadium 24
NANCY GILLEN
Focus on Rosa Kafaji and how she needs to remain patient 26
CLAUDIA LOY
On why Arsenal fans should be proud of the Class of 2007 28
ISOBEL GILLIGAN
Looking at the fight to normalise periods in football 30
LUMI LEHMUSKALLIO
The lows and highs of following Arsenal in the Champions League 34
SOPHIE PUODZIUS
Should all home fixtures take place at the Emirates? 36
EMILY HERBERT
Can Arsenal win the WSL next season?
38
LIBERTY SIMONS
The lowdown on Lyon ahead of UWCL semi-final 40
STAR SUB
Chair of the AWSC, Farah Chowdhury answers questions 42
HENRY WADDON
Chloe Kelly’s return to North London should be made permanent 44
Artwork
Suzy Lycett, Ruth Beck, Mia Silver, Sergio Braga-Mullin
Cardy’s Column
Hello, and a very warm welcome to our second Arsenal Women-dedicated print edition of the Gooner Fanzine.
We had planned for a while for this issue to go on sale ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Lyon, so Real Madrid’s 2-0 lead after the quarter-final first leg threatened to make things complicated!
However, thanks to Alessia Russo’s brace, Mariona Caldentey’s fine finish and cover star Chloe Kelly’s pair of assists, Arsenal are off to their second Champions League semi-final in three seasons.
Not too shabby for a side that have underperformed in recent years, and didn’t even manage to qualify for the Champions League last season!
If you’re looking for everything you need to know about semi-final opponents Lyon, we’ve got Liberty Simons’ take on the UWCL record holders in this very publication (p.40), as Joe Montemurro reunites with his former side.
I’m also delighted to feature Isobel Gilligan’s in-depth piece on Arsenal’s work to destigmatise periods in football (p.30), as well as Divija Chhabra’s feature on Aman Dosanj (p.6), whose story is just remarkable, and well worth a read.
We’ve also got Suzy Lycett’s behind-thescenes tales of being behind the lens for both legs against Real Madrid (p.18), as well as some of her stunning photos from the Spanish capitalnot just for the game (p.22).
Claudia Loy writes on Arsenal’s 2007 quadruple winners (p.28), and Daisy Goodhand pens her reflections on being pitchside at the North London Derby for a very special reason (p.14). Joseph Rosedon (p.24) and Sophie Puodzius (p.36) both discuss why the Emirates is increasingly becoming Arsenal’s home, as results prove, whilst Emily Herbert delves into
how the Gunners can close the gap on Chelsea to win the WSL (p.38).
The brilliant Nancy Gillen weighs up her thoughts on Rosa Kafaji’s future (p.26), and Henry Waddon tells you why Arsenal simply have to keep hold of loanee Chloe Kelly beyond this summer (p.44). It’s a strong lineup, in my humble opinion.
At the time of writing, I’ve booked flights and a hotel for Arsenal’s trip to Lyon, but I might have to miss the first leg, as the ridiculously early kick-off for a semi-final clashes with the final day of my holiday in the Lake District. Decisions, decisions!
Anyway, thank you for your continued support of the Gooner Fanzine, and here’s to a strong end of the season.
Plans are in the making for an end of season Goonert Fanzine karaoke night after the final game against Manchester United, so send in your song requests…
Gooner Social
The Trailblazer Who Never Got Her Flowers: Aman Dosanj’s Forgotten Legacy
and England goalkeeper Sue Buckett and ‘Safe Hands’ as they call him- David Seaman, she was bound to flourish.
Around the time the film Bend It Like Beckham hit the big screen, Aman’s story came into the limelight.
The film resonated deeply with the South Asian audience as it portrayed a football-loving Sikh girl breaking cultural and societal barriers.
And Aman? She was living that very story. Parminder Nagra, who played Jess in the movie
said “I think it is brilliant that there is someone out there who is so close to the story”.
It was then that the Telegraph ran the iconic headline- “She bends it like Beckham and saves it like Seaman.” Let me try justifying it- quoting Aman herself;
“Both Jess and I were footy-mad Sikhs who were studying for our A levels and snuck out of weddings and family functions for games and landed university scholarships to play in the U.S. Now that my achievements were tdeemed newsworthy, doors began opening for many South Asian kids.
“Bend It Like Beckham and the way it made marginalized communities finally feel seen spoke to the power of storytelling; for me, it was even more personal. Now, over two decades later, the film also offers a chance to reflect on how far we have- and haven’t- come.’
Aman’s time at Arsenal was a period of rapid growth and immense challenge. Training and competing at one of the top clubs in England, she was surrounded by some of the best talents in women’s football like Alex Scott and Rachel Yankey. Despite being younger than many of her teammates, she held her own, proving herself worthy of a place in a highly competitive environment.
Arsenal’s reputation for complete excellence meant that every mistake was scrutinized, but Aman embraced the pressure and made it work in her favour.
Being a South Asian girl in an elite football environment was both a privilege and a
challenge. Her presence at Arsenal was and still is groundbreaking- she wasn’t just representing herself but for an entire community that had rarely seen itself reflected in professional football, men’s or women’s.
Aman’s journey didn’t stop when she left football- it just took a different path.
Unforeseen circumstances forced her to pack her bags for Canada, but if there’s one thing Aman knew how to do, was to adapt.
She found herself flawlessly running her family’s small business, however this time, the genre was food, not football.
It might seem like a sharp turn, but for Aman, it made perfect sense; just like football, food had the power to bring people together, to tell stories, to break barriers. So she rolled up her sleeves and started The Paisley Notebook, using food as a way to spark conversations about culture, identity, and representation.
PRESS BOX DIARIES
Press box diaries: March madness from Merseyside to Madrid
Freddie Cardy enjoyed 20 goals in the five Arsenal games he covered in a busy March!
Sunday, March 2:
Arsenal v West Ham
For a few good reasons, I had missed Arsenal’s North London Derby win in February and the corresponding first day of our maiden print Gooner Fanzine dedicated to AWFC missing the streets, so it was great to join Layth on a wonderfully sunny Borehamwood afternoon to flog a few copies ahead of Arsenal v West Ham.
And then, well, carnage was the word I recall using on the night, as Arsenal overturned a 2-0, and then 3-1 deficit to beat the spirited Irons 4-3 on a quite frankly ridiculous evening at Meadow Park.
Three goals in six minutes, before a further 30 minutes where somehow no more were added. I’m still recovering now!
A little side note, having cheered from my sofa at home as England won the Euros in 2022, it was lovely to pose some questions to a certain Chloe Kelly after her excellent volley before half-time got the Gunners back into the game.
Has she ever stopped smiling since her deadline day loan move? I’m not sure!
Friday,
March 14:
Everton v Arsenal
My first visit to the humble Walton Hall Park- I really hope that talk of Everton Women moving to Goodison Park comes to fruition- and firstly, a big hand for the travelling Gooners.
A long, long way to go on a Friday night just a few days before many flew out to Madrid, and they made all the noise as Arsenal sealed an important, bananaskin avoiding three points.
With most of the WSL journalists only a stone’s throw away at Anfield covering Liverpool’s win over Manchester United, an important one for Arsenal’s
top three hopes, it meant I could afford to ask Renée Slegers a few more questions than usual in Everton’s press room, as well as hearing from Everton manager Brian Sorensen.
A tip for any aspiring journalists: even if you’re only covering one club, it’s always worth getting the opposition perspective post-match!
It was then a quick dash to the bus, a quick type-up of what Renée had to say on my hotel’s 30 minutes of free WiFi, before getting an early train down to Derby to cover the Subway Cup final, the one year Arsenal didn’t make it…
Tuesday, March 17: Real Madrid v Arsenal
If you want a journalist to write with a kinder tone about your club, then I’d suggest letting them into
your stadium nice and early, hassle-free, feeding and watering them, and not momentarily blocking access to the post-match press conference (or removing one journalist entirely without explanation).
Well, at least I don’t have to go to Real Madrid Femenino’s Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano every week.
Myself and Suzy Lycett have been on three European trips with Arsenal this season together, and each time the home club’s treatment of us media members has been so disappointing.
In Madrid, when the media turnstiles eventually opened to show a pitch that Ian Wright would label a “F***ing disgrace,” the lack of hospitality was not just for journalists.
It seemed to be for Madrid’s women’s team as a whole. But, that team would come out on top on
the night, as Arsenal failed to adapt to the albeit almost dangerous conditions. They would have their revenge soon, though.
Sidenote: Madrid is a fantastic city, and the entire travelling Gooner team had an excellent time, particularly on St Patrick’s night! Just a shame about the weather.
Sunday, March 22:
Arsenal v Liverpool
If there’s one ground that treats the media right, and more, it’s the Emirates. And it was so good to be back in N5, enjoying the home comforts once again, as did Arsenal.
Jasmine Matthews’ two own-goals didn’t do justice to how well Arsenal played, with Slegers’ side’s 4-0 win the perfect way to set up the return leg against Real Madrid.
I was also really pleased to see Arsenal’s continued commitment to making the Emirates such an openly inclusive venue for LGBTQ+ fans, with colourful rainbow pyro and a large ‘Love Is Love’ tifo proving the backdrop as both sides took to the field.
Well done to all involved, and let’s work to preserve and enhance this inclusive environment.
Wednesday, March 26: Arsenal v Real Madrid
What a day. From 9am until just before 3pm I was at Derbyshire County Cricket club, behind the camera for the second day of Derbyshire’s pre-season friendly against Oxford University.
It was then a train down to London, with two fellow University friends and journalists who were also headed to the Emirates press box, before meeting up with Izzy Gilligan at Arsenal tube.
Myself and Izzy then raced to the Emirates, as I was due to chat to Nick Godwin on BBC Radio London about Arsenal’s quarter-final second leg at 6:07pm. Yes, that specific!
From then, another succulent Emirates Stadium dinner before the nerves took hold, none more so than at half-time, when the Gunners had played Madrid off the park but were yet to make a dent in the 2-0 first leg deficit.
Then came the aforementioned Kelly.
In the first half, the Manchester City loanee had put more crosses into boxes than a fraudulent voter on polling day, and just after the interval, two of them finally were met by a teammate; Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey levelling the score, before Russo netted again to send the Gunners through to the quarter-finals in front of a rapturous crowd. Lyon, and Joe Montemurro, await.
MORE THAN A MATCH
A DAY THAT CAPTURED THE SPIRIT OF ARSENAL WOMEN
Daisy Goodhand reflects on February’s North London Derby, a special day for many reasons
Thereare football matches, and then there are those football matches- the ones that you know, as soon as you wake up, are going to be different.
This was one of those days, one of those games that will stay with me long after the final whistle has blown.
The build-up began long before I even reached the Coronet at 10 a.m. On my way there, I grabbed a copy of the Gooner Fanzine, snapping pictures at every iconic spot I could find- under the Hornsey Road tunnel and later with the Emirates pitch in the background.
This wasn’t just any game; you could feel something special brewing already.
Walking into the pub, I was greeted by so many familiar faces- people I’ve shared
countless match days with this season. There’s something incredible about how tight-knit you become with fellow supporters. Week in, week out, you share these moments, and after a while, it feels like family.
Among the crowd were two fans from Denmark, attending their first ever Arsenal Women’s game, drawn to the club by the incredible Kathrine Møller Kühl.
We immediately made them feel at home, swapping stories and introducing them to more of the Arsenal family.
Hopefully, this won’t be their last game.
It’s funny, my regular trek from the North to London takes longer than their flight from Denmark. Maybe it’s time I finally make the move down south…
Daisy Goodhand @daisygh02
After the drinks, laughter, and conversation, it was time to join the fan walk. I’d only done one before- from a pub in Wolverhampton to the Molineux- but this one? It was something else.
Fans lined the streets, snapping photos and capturing every little moment.
Scarves were waved, voices rang out, and someone even set off a flare.
It was the kind of atmosphere I love about football, and I can only hope this side of the game keeps on growing, especially in the women’s game.
My Chelsea-supporting friend reluctantly in tow, we took our seats- but I didn’t stay put for long. I found myself pitchside- an opportunity I never imagined would come.
To be able to speak on LGBTQ+ issues and representation at a club like Arsenal meant so much to me. Growing up, I rarely saw people who reflected my own experiences. Things have definitely improved, but there’s always more to do.
The match itself? A masterclass. Tottenham didn’t stand a chance against Arsenal’s relentless intensity.
Every player was on fire. Emily Fox’s stunning goal sent the crowd into a frenzy, and as someone who considers her my favourite player, I’m still not sure I’ve fully recovered from that moment.
Mariona Caldentey once again showed why she was such a key signing, and Chloe Kelly’s late cameo was met with overwhelming applause.
She belongs in this team, and I felt that I wouldn’t be surprised if she made her mark on the scoresheet soon.
After the final whistle, we celebrated well into the night back at the Coronet. Songs, drinks, laughter, the kind of joy that only football can bring.
It was a powerful reminder of the incredible community we’ve built- a place where every face is familiar, and every conversation feels like catching up with an old friend.
Days like this fill me with a gratitude that’s hard to put into words. Being part of the Gooner Fanzine team is something that I’ll always treasure. Seeing our work in print and feeling the love it received was truly incredible.
A massive thank you to Freddie Cardy, Layth Yousif, and the entire Gooner team for everything they do to make it all possible.
And to Farah Chowdhury from the Arsenal Women Supporters Club- thank you.
Your work to push this club and community forward never goes unnoticed. It’s truly an honour to be a part of this, and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity.
This wasn’t just a match. It was a day that reminded me why I love this game, this club, and the incredible community that comes along with it.
There was never any doubtArsenal weren’t settling for anything less than a world-class performance. The fans, the stage, the bandit all built to an unforgettable crescendo
NAVIGATING THE UCL QUARTER FINALS, PITCHSIDE
First leg: The mud of Madrid
Land in Madrid. Train or the bus? Rush to the other side of the airport. Well, that’s my 10k step count met. Train into central Madrid - and the rain is pouring. Head to the hotel, dump suitcase, then onto the train, out to the outskirts, into the presser.
Renee and Alessia with the pre-game comments and quietly confident demeanorswould they present any other front?
Back in the rain to discover a cosy spot for an excess of potato-based, filling Spanish food: Patatas bravas and tortilla (I just ordered, I did not consider the nutritional value…)
Game day- and the rain is pouring. Out for a Madrid wander (swim?), a touch of sightseeing, a much needed coffee.
A moment to relax at the hotel and dry off shoes and clothes; work undone immediately upon heading to the meetup.
A pub packed full of Gooners in the middle of Spain. Just look at how far the women’s game has come.
Then, game time. Let into the stadium with 45 mins to go. Not much time to set up….
Rushing to test settings, capture warm upand the rain is pouring.
Leaf blowers blowing plenty of standing water off the pitch (swimming pool?).
Kick off and the ball bobbles, the players slide, the mud sprays, providing action shots aplenty. The lighting is beautiful, I hope the photos turn out ok.
White kits turn dark, the black away kit passes the test. The rain bounces off the barriers around the pitch. I hope it doesn’t hit my lens.
Yet, the mud provided murky waters for Arsenal to try and navigate in the second leg. 2-0 to Real Madrid.
No one wants to see those pictures of disappointment.
Suzy Lycett provides the photographer’s insight into both legs of Arsenal v Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals
Suzy Lycett @Boodlepim
Second leg: The Emirates carpet
Wake up on gameday morning. A lie in, lovely. Head to the stadium, get in the media queue three hours before KO. Need to get a good spot. Hope I’ve chosen the right side of the goal to sit....
Take some empty stadium shots. Listen to a test run of ‘North London Forever’. Take a moment to enjoy as it echoes around the empty stands and appreciate just how special it is to be here.
Head back into the photographers room for food. Edit the first shots. Head out for the pitch check and shots of the first fans. Head back in, edit those shots.
Warm up. Goalkeepers out first, then the team. Time to experiment, multiple exposure, some motion blur, a fun lens filter.
Then, rush with a gaggle of photographers to the dugouts. Light show starts, the players are in the tunnel. The walkout. Shutters click and whir.
Alessia, Steph, and Mario share a giggleshutters click faster. Music rings out, the UWCL anthem, the Arsenal anthem. 20,000 scarves raised aloft.
Walkout done, run to your spot to settle in for the game. First 45. Some action, no goals. Plenty of noise though. 20 thousand people and the sound travels. Few casual fans here, mid week- these are the fans that live and breathe every kick of the ball.
Whistle blows, no extra time. Race to change ends, the mid-game procession of photographers lugging gear. A quick edit of first half photos, ping through to the Gooner.
Then, the second half. New energy in the team. First goal hits the back of the net, Russo on fire. No time to celebrate. A race back to the half way line. Time’s a-ticking, counting down the minutes to a Champions League semi final.
Mario, up next. We’re even! Was there ever any doubt? Team runs to the corner flag. Well, I chose the wrong side of the goal to sit…
Just one goal more needed. Who else was going to get it. Russooooo rings out around the Emirates Stadium.
Still the wrong side of goal to sit… Another goal, but no, wait, offside. An epic save from Daphne. The crowd roars, feeling every moment of this game. 20 thousand people fully invested in this team and the semi final dream.
The whistle blows. A stadium erupts. Hugs on the pitch and the stands. Leah Williamson walks to Real Madrid defender, Maëlle Lakrar, sat in defeat, and helps her to her feet. The team claps the crowd.
Nothing beats those moments of magic that football and the Champions League can bring. And now, we get the chance to go again. Back into the semis, first time since Wolfsburg, as it should be.
IMPROVING ATMOSPHERE
Joseph Rosedon speaks to Farah Chowdhury (Arsenal Women Supporters Club chair) about why the Emirates should be the home of
Ifyou were to pinpoint the trademarks of Arsenal Women, the Meadow Park atmosphere would be at the forefront of that discussion. The boisterous fans have created a songbook that features references that vary from Australian spreads to more traditional condemnation of rival teams.
Each player has their own dedicated song and it will be guaranteed to be recited with fervour and enthusiasm at each game.
With the Emirates slowly becoming the permanent home of the team, growing pains are inevitable.
To best ease this transition, the club have liaised with the Arsenal Women Supporters
Club to help facilitate the atmosphere at the Emirates stadium.
Farah Chowdhury, chair of the Supporters Club appreciates that the transition is a work in progress. “It’s always going to be different,” Chowdhury told the Gooner Fanzine.
“At Meadow Park we are all very close together and it does not take much to generate an atmosphere, and we have developed that atmosphere at Meadow Park for a couple of years now.”
With the team’s transition to the Emirates as its main ground, transferring the atmosphere to the stadium has been a priority for fans.
Arsenal Women
Joseph Rosedon @J_R_9_9
Of course, recreating the atmosphere created in a ground with a maximum capacity of 4,500 to a stadium which holds 60,000 is logistically impossible, but the club have made efforts to adapt.
The club introduced the ‘Bring the Noise’ area at the start of the 2024-25 season to condense the North Bank faithful into blocks eight to 12 in the ground.
The atmosphere section was based in block two last season however Arsenal wanted the group to move towards the North Bank.
“We all had our opinions on it but for the sake of the atmosphere and making sure the noise spread, we were happy to do so,” said Chowdhury.
“A lot of people did stay in block two as well, so that’s split the noise a little bit.”
“So, it’s been a work in progress. It is always going to be tough, but I think everyone has given it a really good go.”
When the atmosphere has clicked at The Emirates, its impact on the players and the result is critical.
The epitome of this would be Arsenal’s dramatic second leg victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
The attendance for that evening was 22,517 but the atmosphere generated resembled a full house. Admittedly, the Real Madrid atmosphere could be seen as circumstantial, so the next step is consistency.
“Every game is not going to be the loudest at the Emirates Stadium, but I think the Real Madrid game showed us that the Emirates needs to be the home for Arsenal Women,” Chowdhury remarked.
“As much as we all love Meadow Park and we’ve had incredible memories there, they play so well on that pitch at The Emirates.”
“If the Champions League has shown us anything, it’s that Arsenal need to be playing there every game.”
“The more we are at the Emirates, and the more it’s starting to feel like home, that atmosphere will change.”
HOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE ROSA KAFAJI...?
Search
‘Rosa Kafaji’ on YouTube and among the results is a compilation video with the emphatic title: ‘This is why Arsenal want Rosa Kafaji’. The video shows an array of fine finishes, unstoppable runs and pinpoint crosses, some against heavyweight teams such as Chelsea and England.
The video explains the high level of excitement amongst Arsenal fans when Kafaji joined the club from BK Häcken in August 2024, and it also explains why there is now considerable disappointment about her lack of playing time.
Kafaji has completed just 123 minutes in all competitions this season at the time of writing.
Her most recent cameo was a nine-minute spell against Crystal Palace, when Arsenal were already winning 3-0.
It’s not just the fanbase that are unhappy with the above statistic. Kafaji hinted at her own frustration after sitting on the bench for the entirety of Arsenal’s miserable 2-0 loss against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg.
Shortly after full-time, probably before the players had even dried out from the torrential rain falling on the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, Kafaji posted an Instagram story of yawning and snoring emojis against a black background.
Only Kafaji will know the intent behind her post, which was quickly deleted, but it’s hard to see it as anything other than a sign of unhappiness about her lack of game time.
Why is Kafaji not playing? This question has been put to Renée Slegers, who pointed to the abundance of midfielders and forwards in her squad. She called for patience from the 21-yearold, before reiterating her belief in Kafaji’s future at Arsenal.
It certainly takes time to adapt to the Women’s Super League, particularly when coming from a league such as Sweden’s Damallsvenskan.
Kafaji hasn’t had a proper rest and preseason for a while- the Damallsvenskan runs from April and November, and BK Häcken are normally involved in Champions League matches over the winter months.
Nancy Gillen urges fans, and the talented Rosa Kafaji, to remain patient
Nancy Gillen @Nancy_Gillen
And while Kafaji looks full of energy and attacking drive when she does eventually play, it’s also clear that she’s not quite at the level needed yet.
Her nine minutes against Palace saw her struggle with the defensive side of the game and often give the ball away.
This doesn’t make Kafaji any less of a prodigious talent, but suggests she just needs a bit of time to adapt and learn.
Slegers has also acknowledged that Kafaji is in a catch-22 situation- she is desperate to impress during the limited minutes she receives, but this pressure can impact her decision-making and result in a sub-par performance.
Ultimately, patience seems to be the best policy when it comes to Kafaji.
While fans may be concerned she will follow the same path as fellow young stars Kathrine Kühl and Gio Queiroz- both moved on to other clubs after very little game time- there are more positive examples to look at.
Kyra Cooney-Cross had a very quiet first season as she acclimatised to the WSL, but the Australian midfielder is now playing a crucial role in the current campaign.
She is desperate to impress during the limited minutes she receives, but this pressure can impact her decision-making and result in a sub-par performance
There is no reason why Kafaji can’t follow Cooney-Cross’s trajectory- she just can’t let her impatience to play get the better of her.
If the young talent is still warming the bench come next season, then her frustration becomes more understandable and the matter will likely come to a head as it did with both Kühl and Gio.
But things change quickly in football, and by next season, the time taken to ensure Kafaji is ready for the WSL might massively benefit both club and player.
STIGMA TO STRENGTH
Isobel Gilligan on the importance of Arsenal’s recent campaign to destigmatise periods in sport
“I’m Leah Williamson, and I won the European Championships with England, and I was on my period.”
What would have been unspeakable in football just a few years ago and many more before, is now being said on screens, billboards and stadiums, loudly and proudly.
Arsenal’s players are helping rewrite the narrative around what belongs in sport and right now they’re tackling one of the last big taboos in football: periods.
The campaign, titled ‘Every Stain Should Be Part of the Game’, makes a bold but necessary point. Blood on a sock from a tackle is seen as commitment. But period blood on a pair of shorts? That’s still met with embarrassment, shame, or silence.
Isobel Gilligan @isobelgilligan
This double standard is precisely what Arsenal’s players, including Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, Katie McCabe, and captain Kim Little, are challenging.
Mead puts it plainly: “You can’t help it, you can’t sometimes prevent it. It’s literally ok.”
That kind of unfiltered honesty is rare in elite sport, and it’s part of what gives this campaign real weight. These aren’t carefully rehearsed soundbites, they’re the words of players who’ve lived the reality they’re addressing.
Williamson adds, “Leaks happen, all the time, and it’s okay.” Her delivery is calm, but the message is radical: the issue isn’t the stain, it’s the stigma. And if there’s a negative reaction? “That’s on somebody else,” she says. “That’s not on me.”
Backed by a national billboard campaign and a series of striking video shorts, the project aims to shift public perception and encourage young girls to stay in sport.
The stats show why this visibility matters.
A recent survey found that 78 per cent of girls aged 15 to 18 have stopped playing sport because of their periods, with six in 10 fearing leaks. Over half of those who’ve experienced a period stain said they felt ashamed, anxious, or embarrassed.
The campaign does what many clubs and governing bodies have long avoided. It talks about periods openly. Not behind closed doors, not in vague euphemisms, but in everyday terms that reflect real experience. That matters.
Because for far too long, menstruation has been treated as an inconvenient truth in women’s sport. Something to manage quietly, or not at all.
What makes this campaign particularly striking is that it comes from a team who still play in white shorts.
That detail is not lost on anyone, white kit has long been a source of anxiety for players during their periods, and it’s only recently that some clubs have started to switch to darker options.
A few seasons ago, Arsenal Women had a team vote on whether to keep their white shorts or not. Only one player voted against. That decision says something: if this team doesn’t feel the need to change their kit, and yet will still front a campaign like this, they’re clearly not doing it to tick a box. It comes from a place of authenticity.
But the campaign also invites a bigger question, why has it taken this long for such an open discussion to take place?
For decades, women’s health in football has been overlooked, with the medical protocols often being passed over from the men’s game,
The campaign does what many clubs and governing bodies have long avoided. It talks about periods openly. Not behind closed doors
particularly regarding injury research. Most elite clubs now have professional women’s teams, but that hasn’t always translated to femalefocused support.
In many environments, menstrual cycles still aren’t tracked, despite their proven impact on performance, recovery, and injury risk- with an especially prevalent discussion arising surrounding the huge numbers of ACL injuries recorded and how players’ cycles may have had an impact.
Coaches often don’t receive formal training on how to talk to players about their periods, and young female athletes frequently feel pressure to downplay their symptoms or take hormonal contraception to ‘avoid’ periods during tournaments, the side effects of which can be hugely detrimental.
Even issues like kit design, as simple as colour choice, have only recently been part of the mainstream conversation.
Until 2023, England Women still played in allwhite. And while changes are now happening, they often only come after players speak out. Campaigns like Arsenal’s matter, not because they solve the problem, but because they acknowledge it.
They push the conversation forward, and they do it with the kind of visibility that makes it hard to ignore.
From murals in North London, to programme takeovers during huge games at the Emirates, this campaign has not gone unnoticed.
This isn’t just branding.
Alongside the campaign, Arsenal in the Community have launched new workshops for teenagers, girls and boys, to talk openly about periods, understand the impact on sporting participation, and learn how to support each other with empathy.
These workshops are key for starting these conversations early and creating a sense of normality surrounding something that half the population experience.
In a world where many girls will drop out because of period stigma, visibility is the first step towards change.
And it matters who that visibility comes from. When some of the most respected players in football say “blood is blood,” it helps dismantle the silence, not just for fans, but for future generations too.
FROM LOWEST LOW TO HIGHEST HIGH: A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JOURNEY
Imwriting this article the morning after the Champions League quarter-final second-leg win, and I’m still buzzing!
The emotions are overwhelming, and the adrenaline is still rushing. This feeling is what football is all about- the highest highs, the unforgettable moments, and the pure euphoria when that final whistle blows.
I can’t help but think back to two years ago when I watched the second leg quarter-final game against Bayern Munich from my sofa in Berlin. That night, the match fell on my birthday, and I chose to celebrate with friends instead of traveling to London to witness it in person.
While it was a fantastic birthday, a part of me always regretted not being there to soak in the atmosphere and feel the stadium’s electricity.
The FOMO still lingers whenever I think about that game.
Now, two years later, I live in London, the same buzz and excitement have returned, and it feels just as magical.
The time in between has been filled with incredible moments, but there’s nothing quite like the intensity of Champions League nights. These are the moments we dream of as football fans- the ones that make all the ups and downs worth it.
This time around, I didn’t miss a thing. I was fortunate enough to witness both legs of the Real Madrid quarter-final, and it was an experience I’ll never forget.
We can ignore the result, the pitch, the weather, and the game itself, but I’m glad I
turned the trip into a proper holiday, flying out on Saturday ahead of the Tuesday night game.
I made the most of my time in Madrid, immersing myself in football history by visiting Legends: The Home of Football museum, where I relived some of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history.
And as if that wasn’t enough, I also attended the men’s Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona clash at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium. The energy and passion of the crowd were breathtaking.
My biggest dream now is to see this kind of atmosphere replicated in women’s football in the coming years- because the sport deserves it just as much.
Lumi Lehmuskallio is still on cloud nine after Arsenal’s comeback win over Real Madrid
Lumi Lehmuskallio @lumimeriel
Walking into the Emirates Stadium for the Real Madrid second leg, I knew deep down that we had what it took to win.
There was an unwavering belief in this team. Of course, doubts crept in, especially after the goalless first half, but never to the point where I lost faith. Football is unpredictable, but anything is possible when you have a team as determined as ours.
And then it happened- the goals started coming, and the entire stadium erupted. It was a moment of pure magic, the kind that sends shivers down your spine and reminds you why you fell in love with football in the first place. The goosebumps were inevitable, the joy indescribable.
Now, all eyes are on what’s next.
What could be better than a sold-out stadium on Easter weekend, facing Lyon, surrounded by friends and family? Not to forget another magical away day (or holiday weekend) in Lyon. This is the stage where dreams come into reality and history is made.
But we’re not done yet. The journey isn’t over. Two years ago, we fell just short of the final, but this time, we have the chance to take that one step further. The momentum is on our side, and the belief is stronger than ever.
Lisbon awaits, and so does our destiny. Let’s go all the way!
SHOULD ALL HOME FIXTURES TAKE PLACE AT THE EMIRATES?
Meadow Park has been the (rented) home of Arsenal Women for several decades, however its time as Arsenal’s fortress might be coming to an eventual end.
The venue has been long adored by Arsenal fans due to its close-knit atmosphere, enabling chants to be easily carried across the 4,500 capacity ground.
However, the Gunners’ recent run of form at the Emirates Stadium has raised questions about whether a permanent move to the considerably larger venue should be on the cards in the near future.
Arsenal have been trailblazers of the women’s game in England for decades, but the announcement that 11 games were to be played at the Emirates ahead of the 2024-25 season, was undoubtedly one of their most ambitious moves yet.
This decision has proved to be a resounding
by an excellent run of results at the venue. Most notably, the North London Derby drew a crowd of 56,784 in February, showcasing the continued growth of Arsenal’s fanbase.
Arsenal made history with their dominant 4-0 victory over Liverpool, making them the first WSL team to score at least four goals in six consecutive home league fixtures.
This result came less than a month after Arsenal slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Liverpool on a poor-quality pitch at Meadow Park, seeing them knocked out of the FA Cup.
As a result, this poses the question of whether playing all fixtures at the Emirates Stadium could be a better option due to its superb pitch and state-of-the-art facilities to optimise player performance.
At Meadow Park, the Gunners were forced to abandon their usual free-flowing style of play, instead being forced to play more direct. This
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium results and performances this season speak volumes, writes Sophie Puodzius
Sophie Puodzius @sophiepuodzius
CAN ARSENAL WIN THE WSL NEXT SEASON?
Asanother season draws to a close, Arsenal fans are all left asking the same question: why didn’t they win the league title this year?
With a squad full of talent and a new head coach in Renée Slegers, hopes were high, but can the Gunners finally take that extra step next season and get their hands on some silverware in the form of the Women’s Super League?
The Renée Slegers Factor
One of the biggest shake-ups this season was the change in the dugout. Assistant and former Gunners prospect Slegers took over from Jonas Eidevall in October, bringing fresh ideas and a new tactical approach.
If Arsenal are serious about winning next season, they need to give her full backing- and that starts with extending her contract
With back-to-back league titles in Sweden with Rosengård, Slegers arrived in North London with a winning pedigree.
So far, the results have been promising- so what exactly is stopping Arsenal from reaching the next step?
Well, there’s one major concern- Slegers only signed an 18-month contract in January.
She may be new to the top job, but she’s been part of Arsenal’s set-up since 2023, working in player development which helped her transition into the role smoothly.
But if Arsenal are serious about winning next season, they need to give her full backing- and that starts with extending her contract.
Since stepping in, Slegers has transformed the team’s atmosphere.
On the pitch, relationships look stronger, and results have followed. Arsenal went unbeaten in her first 11 games, won 15 out of 18 matches, and climbed from sixth to third in the WSL.
She also guided them to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, topping their group in the process.
But beyond the numbers, she’s brought a calmness to the touchline and a real clarity to her messaging.
Post-match interviews feel measured, with a genuine focus on encouragement rather than criticism- something that has clearly resonated with the squad.
Emily Herbert believes long term backing for Renée Slegers is crucial for Arsenal to have success
Emily Herbert @EmilyHerbertBBC
Can anyone catch Chelsea?
This is the big question. Chelsea have dominated English women’s football for the past decade, winning the WSL seven times.
So, what’s setting them apart?
The most obvious factor is investment! They broke the transfer record to bring in Naomi Girma for over a million dollars and then added a world-class talent like Keira Walsh in January.
It sent a clear message: they mean business.
Being attached to a Premier League club helps massively, but here’s the thing - so are Arsenal. In fact, Arsenal’s men’s team is outperforming Chelsea.
So why aren’t they investing in their women’s team in the same way?
It directly links in with squad depth, which has been an issue for Arsenal, and this summer transfer window will be crucial.
The departure of Vivianne Miedema was a huge blow, and with speculation around Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius possibly leaving, Arsenal needs to strengthen their attack.
Players like Trinity Rodman and Grace Clinton are entering the final year of their contracts, could they be the missing pieces in Arsenal’s title charge?
The foundation is there- the challenge now is turning potential into success.
If they get their recruitment right and fully back Slegers, there’s no reason why Arsenal can’t finally lift a major trophy next season.
WSL TITLES
THE LOWDOWN ON LYON
Liberty Simons previews Arsenal Women’s UEFA Champions League semi-final opponents
Olympique Lyonnais sees the return of familiar faces for Arsenal. Old teammates, old managers.
It also is the return to a stadium that has given this current team one of their best performances to date.
The 5-1 win over the side was the opening group game of Arsenal’s last run in the Champions League, which ended in the first sold out game in North London.
Lyon are considered the best team in women’s football history, with sustained and long lasting success in both France and on the European stage. With 17 league titles, 10 cup titles, and eight UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies, the trophy cabinet is more than stacked.
The squad is just as stacked. With European Championship winners, World Cup winners and Ballon d’Or recipients, the French side have talent aplenty.
The side have undergone change this season. Former Arsenal manager Joe Montemurro took over control of the French giants last summer after their manager Sonia Bompastor left for Chelsea.
The Australian’s tenure so far has been wildly successful but not without blips.
Despite not losing in Europe this season, his side were handed disappointment in the Round of 32 in the Coupe de France where they lost on penalties to Stade de Reims.
In the Champions League, Montemurro’s side have won eight from eight games, including a double over Wolfsburg, the German giants Arsenal last faced in the semi-finals.
They have scored 25 goals and conceded just twice. Kadidiatou Diani has scored the most for the side in the competition this season, netting five times.
The Groupama Stadium is home to two of three of the players that have won a record eight Champions Leagues.
Captain Wendie Renard, and French all time appearance maker Eugenie Le Sommer still call the side home after wildly successful careers.
The third of those three players is ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi, who also has a rather iconic 100 per cent clean sheet record for the Gunners.
Lyon have talent all over the pitch, but their attacking options would make other teams green with envy. Melchie Durmornay, Diani and Tabitha Chawinga are deadly. With 11
Gooner editor in chief Layth Yousif with Joe Montemurro at London Colney back in 2018
Star Sub: Farah Chowdhury
Farah Chowdhury is a long-term supporter of Arsenal Women and now Chair of the Arsenal Women Supporters Club, working with the Arsenal back-office team to create the best possible fan experience. Here’s her Arsenal journey.
How did you become a supporter of Arsenal Women?
I used to play when I was a kid. When I was about 14 or 15, I realised that there was a world out there where women played great football.
It wasn’t until I was 18 that someone mentioned going to an Arsenal Women’s game not too far away.
Back in the day, you could just show up and buy a ticket on the turnstiles. I attended a game, and it was incredible.
I was very lucky to watch Rachel Yankee, Anita Asante, Steph Houghton, Ellen White, Emma Byrne.
Each issue we put the spotlight on a Gooner subscriber and loyal Arsenal supporter. You can be featured here too, just get in contact with us.
It was 0-0, then Stina Blackstenius scored an extra time winner. I had never seen anything like it.
That was a game where the fans just didn’t stop for 90 minutesthat was a turning point in the fanbase and for the culture it represents.
I’d stopped playing by then, but for me to see that kind of representation, and so many women of colour play in that team, was a huge thing for me.
That’s when I discovered The Arsenal. And from then on, on and off, I tried to go as much as I could.
What is your favourite game that you have been to?
The semi final of the ContI Cup in the 2223 season. It was a midweek game, and it was the first time I had seen Meadow Park packed out.
The way we celebrated was ridiculous, like we had won the cup.
Everyone was jumping up and down, going crazy.
After a tough season, we ended up bringing back our first trophy after, I think, four or five years. So, that game sticks out- it was the start of something special.
Who is your favourite player?
Lotte Wubben Moy. She’s a Gunner, through and through.
What Lotte represents on and off the pitch is very similar to what I stand for, my morals. To have an Arsenal player like that leading by example: the work that she does for young girls and equality, diversity, and inclusivity.
She just goes under the radar, and she is moving the game in the direction that it needs to go. I don’t think many players are doing what Lotte is doing. I think she’s
very dedicated in different areas where we need to see growth, and someone that I admire a lot. So, I’m very happy she plays for The Arsenal.
Proudest moment as Chair of the Supporters Club?
I would probably say this year, in Madrid.
We took away almost 300 travelling Arsenal supporters.
My focus as Chair of the Supporters Club a lot this year was to get those numbers up. Every single European away trip we do, the numbers are just getting higher and higher.
This time around, I met about six or seven people who had bought a ticket on a whim and came completely on their own.
They didn’t know anyone, they were from different age groups. They just bought a ticket and came to the pub for the prematch meet-up.
That’s why we do it.
We put so much into the planning for these trips and making sure that you don’t really need someone to travel with, because, whatever airport you go to, there’ll be a Gooner on your flight.
You don’t even have to be part of the Supporters Club - everyone’s welcome. That’s down to the fans.
We’ve taken the term fan engagement and the term Supporters Club, and we’ve made it our own.
