FEATURE: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN IN INNER-CITY AREAS?

Mar 16, 2025

2 min read

Updated: May 2, 2025

Women’s football has come a long way, evolving into what Karen Carney called “a billion-pound industry.”

A 2023 review stressed the need for a clear workforce strategy and greater diversity on and off the pitch.

A Lack of Representation/Progress?

In 2022, charity Football Beyond Borders explored the cultural impact of the Women’s Euros, finding that despite the Lionesses' success, the tournament’s reach didn’t extend to many inner-city girls.

The findings revealed that:

10% of teenage girls never watched men’s football, rising to 25% for women’s football.
67% did not follow any female players on social media.

69% had not purchased any football-related items after the Euros.

Football Beyond Borders recommended that the government:

Promote women’s football, focusing on the voices of underrepresented communities.
Work with role models to change the male mindset through campaigns.
Support diverse leaders in women’s football for better representation in mainstream society.

A Problem in Society?

In 2023, Arsenal Women faced criticism for lacking Black or ethnic minority players in their squad.

In 2002, Arsenal became the first Premier League team to feature nine Black players in a starting XI.

However, the lack of diversity in teams reflects a broader issue in women’s football.

In the 2022 England squad, three players were of mixed heritage. By the 2023 World Cup, only two remained.

A 2021 BBC report estimated Black, Asian, and minority ethnic players made up only 10–15% of WSL signings, compared to 33% in the men’s game.

United States manager Emma Hayes criticised the lack of diversity in the women’s game, describing it as a “middle-class sport''.

She highlighted how most players came from suburban areas close to training grounds and questioned why talent from urban communities remained underrepresented.

Establishing the Narrative

The FA worked with the English Football League Trust (EFLT) to improve talent identification in inner-city areas and offered scholarships for those needing financial support.

It also launched an Asian Women’s Advisory Group through its Wildcats programme to train coaches.

The London Recreation (REC) Programme, launched by the Amateur FA, provides football opportunities for women and girls, fostering an inclusive community through partnerships, events, sponsorships, and fundraising.

Lauren James, Chelsea and England forward, launched her LJ10 initiative—a scholarship programme aimed at supporting individuals in women’s football.

“We need to increase diversity in women’s football,” James said. “And that starts with giving girls like you, who have the talent to succeed, every chance to do so.”

A diverse first-team squad, both domestically and internationally, lets young girls see players like themselves, reinforcing that their dreams are achievable.