Arsenal have acknowledged that their all-white women’s squad ‘does not reflect the diversity that exists across the club’.
The issue was raised earlier this month after Arsenal released their women’s squad photo for the 2023/24 season as it highlighted that every player in their first team is from a white background.
Arsenal are not the only Women’s Super League club who are faced with the task of improving diversity in their first team as are also without a non-white player in their squad following Gabby George’s departure.
Arsenal insist they are making it a ‘priority’ to ‘drive greater diversity and inclusion’ at all levels of their club.
A statement from to read: ‘We acknowledge our current women’s first-team squad does not reflect the diversity that exists across the club and the communities we represent.
‘Increasing participation among young women and girls from diverse backgrounds is a key priority for us at academy level, with specific measures in place to improve pathways and accessibility.
‘Across all our teams, including our men’s and women’s academies, we’re proud of our players from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to our history, success and culture.
‘It’s a priority for the club to continue to drive greater diversity and inclusion and create a sense of belonging for everyone connected to the club.’
have also faced criticism at international level after all 13 players to feature for the Under-23’s 4-1 win against in February were white.
Speaking last year, England women’s head coach, Sarina Wiegman, insisted that more needs to be done to address the lack of diversity.
‘I would love to see more black players in the team,’ Wiegman said.
‘For me, with the senior squad, the process is done already, so I pick the best players, whoever that is, I’ll pick the best players to perform.
‘But I do think we need to do more and the FA is doing more, to give access to everyone that wants to play football.’
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