Leah Williamson has reflected on how she has navigated the exponential growth of the women's game and the impact it has had on her career at Arsenal.
The childhood Gunner has been with the club since the age of six, rising through the ranks of the academy system. The popularity of the women's game has grown exponentially since then, catapulted by England's historic triumph at Euro 2022.
“I don't think anyone could have predicted it or not at the rate it has,” Williamson admitted. “I am very proud to be in Arsenal. I think the way they've handled the changes and the support they've given us, I think we're very lucky with the people we have in the hierarchy of the club and how our transition as an individual club has gone.
“What she did for women's football in general, Euro 22 win that's why people keep talking about it. It probably wouldn't have happened the way it did if we didn't (win). Therefore, I am very grateful to be part of this generation”.
“I hope that Arsenal will have profits, I think we need them.”
Leah Williamson discusses Arsenal's position so far this season 🗣
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Williamson was on pundit duties for the Premier League's North London derby, a game which saw the Gunners boast City in a 2-1 win. 90 min asked the defender if representing the club as a member of the women's team was something she had dreamed of growing up, to which she replied with an honest “no”.
“I didn't think it was possible, I was prepared to sit in my season ticket seats for the rest of my life,” laughed Williamson. “I feel the men's team here has always respected the fact that we've had a women's team, as Arsenal have led the way in that for a long time.
“I think the way it's been done at Arsenal, there are things that we will still have discussions about, things that the women's team has never had before because we haven't had as many staff, as many players. It's surprising. I sometimes how good we are with the relationship we have with the men's team, even with the boys, I don't feel comfortable talking about them, because we're almost like talking about my team, in a sense.”
Arsenal have had a busy January window at home, securing the signing of three academy players in Laila Harbart, Maddy Earl and Vivienne Lia. Coming up through Hale End's own ranks, Williamson admitted she is “probably the toughest of them”.
“I don't feel the need for any beauty because they know what I think,” Williamson says. “I'm very happy that they passed, I think they all deserve it and I think they worked hard, which is what I care about the most. If you come from Arsenal you obviously have talent, but the way everyone has behaved, they know I'm proud of them for that.”
Williamson also spoke of how important it is for future players to remember the journey women's football has taken before they arrive: “It's good to know where we've come from.”
“I tell them they're very lucky and I'm very happy for you, but you have teammates who have worked two jobs,” she added. “So enjoy everything you've got, but don't waste it. I don't want them to not have it, I want them to use every aspect of it that they have. They should end up being ten times better footballers. than the people we are today because of the support they have now.”