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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘We took a big leap of faith': how a community project built Arsenal Women
It is 40 years since the establishment of Arsenal in the Community, the wing of the club responsible for founding the women's team, and the announcement that all the side's Women's Super League games will be played at the Emirates Stadium next season returns the team to the N5 community that birthed it. With the players ending an 18-year wait for a second European title by beating Barcelona in the Champions League final in May, it has been a year of full-circle moments for Arsenal. Advertisement Bringing all league games to the Emirates Stadium 'is another step in driving towards the best conditions for our players to be able to perform at their best and towards one of our main objectives, which is to win trophies', says Arsenal's director of women's football, Clare Wheatley. 'We also just felt that a connection back to where we began, back to our roots, was warranted.' Sitting in the sun in the playground of Haverstock School, with an Arsenal in the Community girls' football session taking place in the background, Arsenal's head of community, Freddie Hudson, tells the story of the birth of the women's team. 'The roots of Arsenal women are firmly connected to a community programme back in the late 1980s, when there was just no access or structured opportunity for girls and women to play football,' says Hudson, part of the community scheme for 37 years. 'You couldn't go to a local provision as a young girl and take part in any football activities. We recognised that and we thought that was wrong, so we began to run girls' football programmes in schools, after the school day and during holidays, and what we found was that those girls were as talented as the boys, and that was with huge barriers and challenges around them and without any football role models they could look up to.' Advertisement The decision to engage further with those girls grew from this. 'If they wanted to model a football technique or a skill, they'd have to look to professional men players and that just didn't sit right with the football club,' Hudson says. 'So we took those girls' football programmes and the passion, commitment, togetherness, belonging and loyalty that those girls were showing, which was just so powerful, and took a big leap of faith. We developed a youth training scheme for 16- to-18-year-olds with the aim of mirroring what the boys had in terms of a pathway. 'There was no route into professional football for women but at least we could get to the point where they had a YTS scheme as an option. So they were full-time with us from 16 to 18 and were paid for by a government training scheme. The bulk of their time they were being coached as players, but then they gained lots of sports qualifications and gained experience in the JVC Centre at Arsenal in a sort of leisure centre environment. So we were equipping them with work skills and more. That was just such a powerful programme and all of a sudden that attracted players like Rachel Yankey.' The club would help senior players find jobs in the club too, Alex Scott famously washing the men's team kits in her early days there. The landscape is very different today but Arsenal are still doing that base-level community work. One of the coaches working with the girls at Haverstock School, Abby Webster, is a former pupil. 'As soon as I hit 18 I was able to get a job in the community,' she says. 'I've been out to other places to get some more experience but then I've always come back here; this has always been where my heart stays.' Advertisement Bella, Myah, Kayla and Stevie step away from the session, faces red, to talk about its impact. 'We're closer now,' says Bella. Abby, says Stevie, is 'less like a coach and more like a person that you can go and talk to. She's more like a cool, younger person, like a cousin or something.' All four have been taking part since the sessions began, having previously had only the inter-form cup available for matches. They love the sessions and have loved being taken on trips too, including to the Arsenal Hub, the centre of Arsenal in the Community. 'We've met Declan [Rice],' says Myah. 'We got signed shirts, the new shirts,' Kayla says. When Arsenal in the Community was launched in 1985, it was a way to give back to locals facing disruption on match days and engage with a generation of young people 'that we felt they weren't being listened to', says Hudson, who was awarded an MBE last Friday for services to Arsenal's community. 'Unemployment was high, there was some racial tension in the city and we wanted to engage those young people.' Many of those challenges exist today. 'The riots in the 80s and 90s were kind of replicated in 2011,' Hudson says. 'Society was in a pretty bad place back then and the challenges nowadays are similar, though there are some differences and different nuances. Unemployment is still a real challenge for certain young people that haven't had any decent role modelling around education and work pathways.' Advertisement The community programme has also enabled Arsenal to assist local authorities with issues such as teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, school attendance and punctuality, Hudson says. 'The beauty of the football club, though, is it's nimble,' he says. 'It's not a local authority, it's not an NHS, where there's levels of signoff you have to go through. We can be really responsive and with a bit of creativity and nimbleness and passion and commitment, all of a sudden you could be facing a challenge one day and the workforce could be out there with partners delivering on those challenges within a couple of weeks.' Arsenal want to ensure a route remains from their community work into the women's and girls' teams, alongside their talent ID programme and academy. 'We are also aware of barriers that are there for local girls to come through and have plans to reduce those,' Wheatley says. Those plans include moving some training to London and helping with the financial burdens that come with being a part of a team. Improving the diversity of the senior side is also an important driver behind the work done further down the chain. Wheatley is proud of Arsenal's diversity in the academy and says: 'We have strengthened the pathway between the academy and first team just to ensure that there is that progress.' The success of the first team and of individual players provides what Hudson describes as 'a golden opportunity that we can't let pass' at community level. 'All the success we've had in the 2022 Euros, with all the success that Arsenal women have had with 62 trophies, it's phenomenal,' he says. 'And we've got a great window to drive some female-focused messages, supporting those young girls through pinch points of anxiety in their lives, but not just with women and girls. We've got a great opportunity to take some of those conversations, some of that education, some of that awareness, to a male audience, and that's what we're doing too.'
Business Insider
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Nigerians would need to pay more for Netflix despite diminishing purchasing power
The Basic plan now costs ₦4,000, up from ₦3,500, and the Mobile plan is now ₦2,500, up from ₦2,200. This new adjustment comes after previous increases in July 2024, further pinching customers in a country dealing with economic contraction and rising inflation. In July 2024, the Premium plan increased by 40% to ₦7,000 ($4.40), the Standard plan by 37.5% to ₦5,500 ($3.46), the Basic plan by 21% to ₦3,500 ($2.20), and the Mobile plan from ₦1,600 ($1.01) to ₦2,200 ($1.38). Earlier in April of the same year, the streaming service announced a price increase for its Premium Plan, raising it from N4,400 to N5,000. At the same time, the Standard Plan increased from N3,600 to N4,000, while the Basic Plan stayed at N2,900. The Nigerian economy has suffered significantly in recent years, with the country's currency, the naira, depreciating and consumer purchasing power plummeting. With the country's inflation continuing to increase, the cost of basic goods and services has risen, making discretionary spending, such as video streaming, more difficult to justify for many Nigerians. Streaming subscriptions are more expensive in industrialized countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, but customers often earn much more, making such services reasonably affordable. For example, although Americans pay $15.49 (approximately ₦24,000 at current exchange rates) for Netflix's Standard plan, the average U.S. worker makes more than $60,000 per year. Nigeria's minimum monthly salary remains at ₦70,000, with many earning significantly less in the informal economy. This is more complex when you consider that Nigeria's current minimum wage of ₦70,000 is merely $43, compared to its minimum wage of ₦30,000 as of 2022, which was $70 when exchanged at the average rate of ₦423.7 at the end of the year. This dip highlights Nigeria's declining purchasing power in the face of one of its worst economic periods in the country's history. This disparity in purchasing power parity (PPP) also demonstrates the increasing difficulties of developing global subscription models in poor nations. As streaming platforms pursue profitability, they risk losing customers in price-sensitive areas such as Nigeria. Unless updated price structures or regional considerations are applied, subscription-based services may see decreased popularity in places where economic hardship makes digital entertainment increasingly costly.
BreakingNews.ie
18-05-2025
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
Declan Rice's stunning strike secures Arsenal's Champions League place
Declan Rice's second-half strike fired Arsenal to a 1-0 win against Newcastle at the Emirates and a place in next season's Champions League. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya kept his side in the match with a string of fine saves prior to the interval before Rice delivered from range with 55 minutes gone. Advertisement Arsenal's victory moves them five points clear of third-placed Newcastle with just one match remaining. A winning afternoon in N5 🙌 — Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 18, 2025 Newcastle's Champions League fate remains in their hands, but they will start the final day level on points with Chelsea and Aston Villa, albeit with a superior goal difference. Manchester City will bump Newcastle, who host Everton at St James' Park in their concluding game, down to fourth if they beat Bournemouth on Tuesday. Arsenal knew a defeat here – against a team that had already beaten them times this season – would leave them requiring a result in their final game at Southampton to ensure a top-five finish. Advertisement Arsenal were handed a major boost prior to kick-off when Alexander Isak, linked with a summer move to north London, was absent from the visitors' team sheet with a groin problem. David Raya kept Arsenal in the game in the first half (John Walton/PA) Yet, it was Newcastle who should have been ahead at half-time with only a string of Raya saves keeping the scores level. It was Raya's sloppy pass after just six minutes which presented the first chance of the game. Sandro Tonali picked up the Arsenal goalkeeper's wayward ball before he found Callum Wilson who did well to present Bruno Guimaraes with a shot. However, Raya atoned for his initial error when he got down low to block Guimaraes' strike and then scooped the ball away. Raya was back in action just five minutes later when he saved well from Tino Livramento following the full-back's neat one-two with Anthony Gordon. Advertisement At the other end, Nick Pope produced a fine save to deny Thomas Partey's header from Bukayo Saka's corner. But it was soon Raya taking centre stage again – this time diverting Harvey Barnes' deflected shot wide after the Newcastle midfielder was allowed to run unchallenged from the halfway line to the edge of the Arsenal box. Declan Rice celebrates the winner (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP) Raya then turned away Dan Burn's header from point-blank range before batting away Sven Botman's follow-up with his left hand. Declan Rice tested Pope from range, but referee Simon Hooper's half-time whistle was greeted with a rumbling of discontent by the home supporters with Newcastle firmly in the driving seat. But Arsenal, so flat and nervy in the first 45 minutes, started the second half with greater purpose, and they took the lead after just 10 minutes. Advertisement Gordon was caught in possession by Saka with the Arsenal winger finding Martin Odegaard in Arsenal's right-hand channel. Odegaard took one look up before spraying the ball to Rice on the edge of the area with the midfielder's low curling effort nestling into Pope's bottom corner. Tempers fray at the end as Newcastle searched for an equaliser (Adam Davy/PA) Newcastle had lost their stranglehold on the game with Arsenal looking more likely to add to their advantage, and Ben White's effort from range had Pope at full stretch. However, Arsenal have drawn or lost 10 matches from winning positions this season, and while Newcastle's deficit stood at one, they remained firmly in the game. Barnes might have done better when he skied his effort over from the edge of the area, and substitute Joe Willock then came close to haunting his old club when he fashioned a chance only to blaze his shot high and wide. Advertisement Arsenal's campaign has been derailed by injuries and Kai Havertz was handed his first appearance in 102 days following hamstring surgery. Newcastle pressed for an equaliser – with Pope arriving to contest a Newcastle corner in the seventh minute of stoppage time – but Arsenal held firm to leave Eddie Howe and his players facing an anxious final day to ensure their return to Europe's premier competition.
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Paul Pogba 'in talks' for shock move as KSI drops transfer hint on next club
Paul Pogba is yet to sign with a new club since his suspension reached its conclusion earlier this year and KSI has said the ex-Manchester United star could turn up in the Baller League KSI has suggested Paul Pogba is 'in talks' about a stint in the Baller League. The YouTuber has tipped the former Manchester United midfielder to make an appearance for the struggling N5 team, named after the postcode where his favourite team Arsenal play. League president KSI was asked to name who he would pick as a wildcard signing during coverage of Monday night's action at the Copper Box Arena in Stratford, London. And with a smile on his face, KSI said: "Ooooh.... Pogba. He's a free agent. We do follow each other on socials and we are in talks." Then asked which team he thinks would be best suited to the France star, who has not signed for a club since returning from a drugs ban, KSI said N5, which is managed by the former Arsenal stars Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg and Jens Lehmann. "It depends on who he wants but I feel like a player of that calibre would have to play for like an N5, a team that is at the bottom," he said. Pogba, 32, has not played professionally since September 2023. In February of last year he was handed a four-year suspension after a drugs test showed increased levels of testosterone. The World Cup winner insisted he would "never knowingly or deliberately" dope and later had the ban reduced upon a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. However he is yet to sign with a new club since being cleared to return earlier this year despite being linked with a host of clubs, including in the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer. Talk of a third stint at Manchester United was swiftly shut down with the latest speculation linking him with a move to DC United. The Baller League is an indoor six-a-side competition running every Monday until June featuring a host of celebrities and former players. Matches comprise of two 15-minute halves with players paid £400 per appearance. John Terry, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are among the other footballing legends signed up for management and coaching roles. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Paul Pogba is 'in talks' over SHOCK next career move - as former Man United star closes in on return to action after drugs ban
KSI has teased a sensational Baller League transfer scoop for former Man United star Paul Pogba. The YouTuber, boxer and influencer is president of the UK version of the popular six-a-side tournament that is hosted at the Copperbox Arena on Monday nights. Several celebrity players and managers are already involved in the competition, with the likes of Gary Lineker, John Terry, Alan Shearer and Luis Figo among those in charge of sides. Meanwhile, players are paid £400 per match and the teams include retired professionals such as Troy Deeney, futsal players, free agents and former academy stars who have recently been released. And, speaking on night six of the tournament, KSI was asked by Sky Sports 'one realistic wildcard' who he would love to see play in the Baller League. 'Ooooh.... Pogba,' KSI replied. The 31-year-old's answer led to a shocked reaction, before he added: 'Pogba, he's a free agent. We do follow each other on socials and we are in talks.' KSI then laughed and was asked what team the World Cup winner would join if he did make the move. 'It depends on who he wants, but I feel like a player of that calibre would have to play for like an N5, a team that is at the bottom.' N5 are managed by Arsenal legends Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg and Jens Lehmann, with the name a reference to North London. They currently sit bottom of the table, although N5 did pick up a first win against Santan FC on Monday. And when pressed on whether Pogba wouldn't want to hang around given they're at the bottom of the table, KSI added: 'They're in form (now).' Pogba, 32, hasn't played professionally since September 2023 after an injury-ravaged spell at Juventus. Things went from bad to worse for the Frenchman in February 2024 when he was hit with a four-year ban after failing a drugs test when increased levels of testosterone were found in his system. At the time, Pogba said he believed the verdict was 'incorrect' and added he would 'never knowingly or deliberately' dope. However, Pogba was handed a lifeline in October when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the sanction from four years to 18 months following an appeal. Since his ban ended in March, the 32-year-old has been seen training in Miami with coaches, working on both his football and physical fitness. With his suspension coming to an end back in January, Pogba had been linked to several clubs, including Marseille, Man City, Corinthians, Man United and multiple Saudi Pro League clubs. He has also been heavily touted with a move to the MLS and The Athletic reported on Monday how DC United hold his discovery rights. This is a mechanism that allows a club to claim the exclusive right to have the first opportunity to negotiate with a player who is not currently involved within the league. However, Mail Sport previously reported how it was unlikely Pogba would join any club before the end of the season, opening the door to a possible Baller League cameo.
