Women’s football has been criticized for its lack of diversity, but the Professional Footballers’ Association is assisting clubs, including Aston Villa, in changing that.
A review of women’s football earlier this year identified the need to improve diversity on and off the field.
Following criticism on social media after an all-white squad photo was posted in October, Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall said his team’s lack of diversity “was a problem.”
England has received criticism as well, with England manager Sarina Wiegman stating in February that she hoped the talent pool would “represent more the diversity of our community.”
So, how does the Women’s Super League fare? BBC Sport attended a PFA-hosted event at Aston Villa to learn more about how the PFA promotes diversity and equal opportunities.
‘It shouldn’t matter where you come from,’ says the author.
The proportion of black, Asian, and minority players in the WSL is expected to be between 10% and 15% in 2021.
Former England international Fern Whelan, the PFA’s first women’s equality executive, has teamed up with WSL clubs to lead training sessions for young girls in inner-city communities in an attempt to address this.
They are attempting to showcase role models at top WSL clubs as part of their goal to increase diversity, and have been joined by Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw and Demi Stokes, as well as Aston Villa’s Ebony Salmon and Maz Pacheco.
“Every young girl should have an equal opportunity to participate in the game.” “Representation is important, and we want to broaden the talent pool as much as possible,” Whelan said to BBC Sport.
“I want young girls to see that there are always options for them.” I don’t want anyone to think of football as an exclusive club. It should be as broad as possible.”
Salmon and Pacheco took part in a training session at Villa’s academy center in Birmingham, where 60 young girls were coached.
Ebony Salmon
Maz Pacheco
“When I was growing up, there weren’t a lot of black people (playing),” England striker Salmon told BBC Sport.
“It’s critical for young girls to see that.” One thing they look for are people who are similar to them, who inspire them to be like them.
“We’ve recently seen that diversity in the women’s game isn’t where it should be, but it’s definitely increasing.” When I look back at where I was as a kid, I see more and more now.
“Initiatives like this are so important for these girls to see that there is somewhere for them to get to and there are role models like them higher up and at the top level, where they want to be.”
Pacheco admits that her family “stood out like a sore thumb” when she was younger, but she hopes to be a role model for young girls.
“It shouldn’t matter where you come from, what color your skin is, or what religion you follow – we should all have an equal chance to play football.” “That’s what makes football so beautiful,” she explained.
‘I was under a black manager.’
The events at City and Villa are just a few of the ways the WSL hopes to broaden its appeal.
Arsenal has collaborated with the PFA’s Asian Inclusion Mentoring Scheme to provide workshops for South Asian players aged nine to sixteen, which Villa will host later this season as part of their focus on diversity at the grassroots level.
Manager Carla Ward stated that Villa are “doing everything they can” to increase diversity and that the squad is “well represented.”
“It’s definitely getting there,” Pacheco, who runs an independent football academy, said. More money will flow into women’s football as it grows and more serious clubs accept academies.
“There is a learning curve for many professional teams.” People from the men’s side have been learning about the women’s side of things, which is exactly what we want. I know everyone at Villa is very passionate about it, which is encouraging.”
Whelan hopes that by focusing on academy football, improving access, and targeting inner-city areas, women’s football will benefit from greater diversity “across the entire pathway.”
“There is more diversity among the younger age groups now.” “However, from a role model standpoint, it’s about trying to shine a positive light on those we already have in the WSL,” Whelan explained.
“There were players like England internationals Rachel Yankey and Mary Phillip during the era I played in.” I was playing for Hope Powell, a black manager. The game had a lot of variety, and we’ve gotten away from it a little bit.
“The game has become more professional. Young girls do not have enough opportunities to play football. Things like this are attracting a different type of player to Aston Villa. We can increase game diversity if we all work together.”
‘We must continue to ask questions.’
Whelan stated that the PFA is working with clubs to “help guide them” on how to target more players.
She hopes that recent events at Manchester City, Arsenal, and Aston Villa will prompt other clubs to consider what they can do.
“Many of the people we speak with are already thinking about it and putting plans in place.” “They just need those little reminders to keep it in front of their minds,” Whelan explained.
“It’s not just a one-club issue; it’s a game-wide issue.” I don’t believe we’re oblivious to it. Not just diversity or skin color, but also socioeconomic backgrounds. It’s also about what they can afford and how you can assist them.”
Salmon believes it is important that WSL clubs continue to be challenged and criticized because it reminds them to focus on diversity.
“If we stop asking questions, the issue will no longer be considered.”
