"Rising Together": The Growth of the Arsenal Women’s Supporters Club and Its Reflection on the Evolution of Women’s Football
Sophie Puodzius
The Arsenal Women’s Supporters Club has catalysed the exponential growth of the Gunners fanbase, making record attendances a reality, rather than a distant dream. The club is a voluntary organisation that warmly welcomes supporters into a nurturing community which sets them apart from other supporters clubs in the WSL.
Arsenal's record-breaking attendances can largely be attributed to a combination of strategic ticket pricing and the thrilling unpredictability of the matches, particularly in high-stakes fixtures where the outcome is hard to predict. However, it's clear that the strong sense of community fostered by the Supporters Club plays a pivotal role in attracting these monumental crowds.
A vibrant sea of red and white often fills the streets before matches at the Emirates. These lively pre-match gatherings and fan walks have played a significant role in the growth of the Arsenal Women’s Supporters Club, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds in a shared passion for Arsenal Women.
A sold out Emirates Stadium is not an overnight endeavour by any means, it’s taken years of hard work and dedication from multiple groups.
The remarkable results speak for themselves, as Arsenal Women consistently shattered their own attendance records last season. This achievement highlights the significant influence of the Arsenal Women’s Supporters Club and the outstanding efforts made to inspire greater attendance at matches.
This has been achieved through the establishment of strong rapport between players and supporters which allows fans to feel connected to not just their favourite footballers, but also to Arsenal.
This was further underscored by Arsenal’s documentary, aptly titled “Togetherness,” which highlighted the club's collective spirit and featured numerous references to the tremendous support from fans throughout.
As a result, membership of the Arsenal Women’s Supporters Club has flourished, shown by the official Facebook page boasting 29K followers (almost half of the capacity of the Emirates Stadium!).
The AWFC Supporters Club has provided many individuals with a true sense of belonging, as the camaraderie among fans in the stands has led to countless lifelong friendships rooted in their shared love for Arsenal Women.
As a result, many fans have unique and personal stories about how following Arsenal Women has enriched their lives, helping them feel less isolated in their passion for women’s football.
Arsenal fans have earned a stellar reputation, often hailed as the best supporters in the WSL by journalists and players alike. This acclaim is well-deserved, as unforgettable chants have been crafted for nearly every player, with new signings often receiving their own anthem on the very day their transfer is officially announced. These songs resonate throughout the stadium, providing a significant morale boost for players and contributing to the electrifying atmosphere of the matches.
At away games, it frequently feels as though the Gunners are the home team, as the unwavering enthusiasm and passion of Arsenal fans often drown out the opposition supporters.
However, there is a considerable disparity in the WSL, with other clubs falling significantly behind Arsenal in both attendance and match day atmosphere. This gap can be attributed to the inability of those clubs to cultivate a similarly special connection between players and fans.
This disparity is clearly illustrated by comparing the average attendance figures for each club last season. Arsenal unsurprisingly topped the charts with an average of 29,999 fans, a remarkable 19,042 more than Manchester United, who came in second. This highlights the significant gap in popularity between Arsenal and its competitors in the WSL.
Despite an overall increase of 31% in average WSL attendance compared to the previous season, this figure does not accurately reflect the situation across all clubs. While many teams are making encouraging strides, such as hosting more matches at their primary stadiums, several clubs still struggle to fill these larger venues even halfway. This highlights the urgent need for further reform in marketing strategies to attract bigger crowds to their games.
Following Arsenal’s example, clubs should focus on fostering strong connections between supporters and players to cultivate a sense of unity. This can be achieved by showcasing players as authentic individuals through lighthearted social media content, such as exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. As a result, fans will be able to relate to players on a personal level, investing in them individually while also supporting the team as a whole.
The Arsenal Women’s Supporters Club has played a crucial role in making the women’s game accessible to everyone, thanks to their membership in the Football Supporters Association. This affiliation allows the club to relay fan feedback directly to Arsenal, enabling timely adjustments that enhance the match day experience. For instance, the unique revamp of the Arsenal shop on match days, featuring their club mascot Gunnersaurus, specifically appeals to younger audiences. This initiative has led to the development of a dedicated fan base that includes a significant number of young people, many of whom have never previously shown interest in football.
The outstanding efforts of Arsenal Women in the community exemplify their commitment to numerous initiatives designed to enhance investment and access to grassroots facilities for future generations. This reflects Arsenal’s ambition to propel the game forward, striving for the exposure, investment, and recognition that women’s football rightfully deserves.
Consequently, clubs must collaborate closely with their supporters' groups to implement necessary changes that prioritise fan needs and make them feel valued. By actively addressing these concerns, clubs can foster a more inclusive environment, which is likely to result in increased match attendance as supporters recognise that their voices are heard and their needs are being met.
Additionally, organising pre-match meetups and fan walks can significantly boost support. These activities enhance the match day experience while fostering a sense of belonging among fans. The Arsenal Women’s Supporters Club plays a key role in coordinating these events, promoting them actively on social media to encourage maximum participation.
The exceptional efforts of the Supporters Club could spark a renaissance in women’s football across England if other clubs take inspiration from their model. Their initiatives have catalysed a transformation within Arsenal Women, breaking down barriers and reaching historic milestones that were once deemed unattainable.
This is exemplified by Arsenal Women playing 11 matches at the Emirates Stadium this season. The stadium's central location significantly enhances accessibility to the women’s game, drawing larger crowds to matches. This shift highlights the club's rapid evolution, especially considering that the average attendance was just 2,209 in the 2019/20 season. It demonstrates that women’s football can experience exponential growth when provided with the right resources and investment. Moreover, it sends a powerful message that clubs can successfully sell out their main stadiums, inspiring other teams to pursue similar advancements.
While it’s easy to spotlight the remarkable achievements of Arsenal Women, this does not mean to say that they are not the only club making significant strides in the realm of women’s football. Numerous clubs across the league are diligently working to enhance engagement and foster a deeper connection with their communities.
The Arsenal Women’s Supporters Club has established a high standard for what can be accomplished through collaborative efforts from various stakeholders. Their success deserves to be celebrated, as their commitment to advancing the game will help reshape the narrative of women’s football in England.
This provides an encouraging vision of what the future of women’s football could hold. It marks the end of an era in which the sport was largely misunderstood and undervalued, paving the way for a brighter future for countless generations of young girls.
Photo - @boodlepim
Website - https://www.arsenalwomensc.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/arsenalwomensc/?hl=en