Brick by Brick

“A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her.”

Women’s football has had so many bricks thrown at it that it would be impossible to count. And as always rather than sit here and complain about the should of, would of, could ofs, I’m here to recognize and promote the foundation that those bricks have created and to congratulate all of the women and men out there who are still building.?

Record breaking seems to be one of the pillars of this foundation and the month of September seemed like the records never stopped in women’s football, which makes sense, since it was illegal to play the sport for so long. This month saw the San Diego Wave beat local Southern California rivals Angel City in front of? 32,000 fans, setting a new NWSL attendance record. This was a? mult- faceted approach. The selling out of Snapdragon, was a well executed strategy this approach included paid advertisements, grassroots efforts, drumming up supporters, even a fun competition they created called a Battle of the Clubs competition .?

Across the pond records were also smashed when another derby, yet much older, saw Arsenal take on and beat cross town rivals Tottenham in a record attendance at Emirates of 47,367 people. Not only did Arsenal beat Tottenham on the pitch but it was Tottenham who held the record for the highest WSL attendance, set in 2019 with 32,362. Like San Diego, this too was a well thought out strategy. Arsenal have been building the strategy for years, most notably in 2021 when they brought on head coach Jonas Eidvall and did a full review of the women’s section. This review led to an increase and better qualified backroom staff, a new head of sports medicine and sports science, an increase in the medical team, a nutritionist, and they created a new individual development coach role, not to mention an investment in operations staff. The strategy off the field has helped develop the product on the field. The win on home soil this summer at the Euros only reinforced the English appetite for top flight women’s football. Thus Arsenal have strategically chosen three matches to be played at the Emirates this season, Arsenal will take on Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea, hopefully the latter two will also be record breaking.?

If you got this week's Trivia Tuesday correct you would know that for India, a record broken was not a positive for them as India did not make the SAFF Championship final but shows how the game is developing in the region. Bangladesh came out the victor and now hold the title.?

Another brick that is always launched is that men are faster, stronger, and just overall better football players. Yet, Alexia Putellas, 2021 Ballon d’Or winner, is now ranked in Fifa 23 as the highest rated player, male or female, with an incredible 92 points. Unfortunately she will not be representing Barcelona, but only the Spanish National team, in the game. With a point less the men’s top players, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Kevin De Bruyne and cover star Kylian Mbappe come in with a 91 rating.?

Coming back to the Spanish National team, we saw 15 players get released from the team due to their mistrust in current head coach Jorge Vilda. The fact that they have stepped up and used their voice is no surprise, however what is surprising is the Federation’s quick and almost aggressive response to the situation. I have not been privy to the direct interactions so will not assume to know both sides, the thing I do know is that if these women do not compete in this year's WWC it will be devastating to the game. I hope the issues are resolved quickly and that all parties involved are able to be heard.?

So much more has happened in September but I don’t want to keep you here too long. We have made great strides and the foundation is building. As always if you have any questions or comments please share and let's keep Propelling Women’s Football Forward.?