AISA was amongst the supporters’ groups represented at a recent joint meeting of the women’s forum and the Advisory Board of the club’s leaders.
The story is told on arsenal.com: https://arsenal.com/news/awfc-supporters-connect-renee-club-leaders
Key messages were
- The women’s team’s recognition from Islington through being awarded the Freedom of the
Borough. - Arsenal CEO, Richard Garlick updated the group on continued investment in the squad and football operations, including the new contract for Head Coach, Renée Slegers, the appointment of Jodie Taylor as
Technical Director and recent signings such as Olivia Smith and Smilla Holmberg. He reiterated the club’s commitment to championing women’s football and growing the women’s game in a financially sustainable way. - Approximately 374,000 tickets have been sold this season, with an average attendance of
around 37,000. Away support remains strong, with around 98% of away allocations sold. - There has been positive supporter feedback from the pilot where drinks have been allowed in selected seating areas and have been no substantial issues since the pilot began, with feedback positive and high demand for tickets in these areas.
- Th club will be extending the pilot to theupper tier of the bowl for the remaining home games WSL fixtures of the season. There will always be at least one dry area in each tier.
Winning financially - Clare Wheatley shared that new academy contracts will be introduced across the women’s game next
season. These contracts will allow clubs to protect academy players longer. - The club’s women’s development pathway continues to strengthen to protect and enhance
long-term talent. - The club shared that the calendar was a growing challenge across the game.
- Supporters shared feedback on kick-off times, scheduling and impact on attendance and atmosphere. Club representatives confirmed that supporter feedback would continue to be shared in discussions with key stakeholders shaping the game.
- It was confirmed that all WSL matches are expected to be played at Emirates Stadium next season, and that group stage Champions League or domestic cup fixtures may continue to be played at Meadow Park due to scheduling constraints.
- AISA raised concerns around safety and lighting in the immediate area around Meadow Park following evening matches, which creates an unsafe environment for supporters leaving the ground following evening matches, AISA is providing the club with mor information and club representatives agreed to pick this up with Boreham Wood.