Alessia Russo, the dynamic forward for Arsenal Women, has spoken about the profound connection she feels to the club and its fanbase, describing it as an almost inevitable embrace of passion that comes with joining the “Gooners.” Reflecting on the celebratory bus parade following Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions Cup successes, Russo described the experience as “the time of my life.” The event, a vibrant 9km journey through North London filled with red smoke and jubilant fans, marked a significant moment for the player.
While a playful narrative has emerged among supporters, dubbing Russo a “childhood Gooner” – a joke amplified by a photoshopped image of her in an Arsenal shirt as a child – she acknowledges that her affinity for the club has developed organically since her arrival. “I came to Arsenal and I wasn’t an Arsenal fan, but since I’ve joined the club and seen the people around the place, it’s impossible to not become a part of Arsenal and to feel like I support Arsenal,” she explained. This sentiment underscores a deep-seated loyalty that has grown through her experiences with the team and its community.
Embracing the Arsenal Identity
Russo elaborated on the feeling of belonging at Arsenal, stating, “I want them to do well, I’m backing them every way, and then the parade was just one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced.” She highlighted the collective joy of celebrating the men’s Premier League victory, a triumph achieved after years of dedicated effort. The atmosphere and the shared experience of celebrating with long-standing “proper Gooners” like Lotte Wubben-Moy and Leah Williamson were particularly memorable.
“I think when you come to Arsenal, and I’m speaking for myself here, you kind of take on a part of it and really start to understand and absorb their love for Arsenal,” Russo shared. “I definitely feel that and it’s really nice to feel like you’re a part of something like that.” She views winning trophies as career highlights, but the parade stands out as a uniquely special occasion that she will always cherish.
Championing the Next Generation of Female Athletes
The parade also offered Russo a vivid perspective on the widespread support for Arsenal, with faces of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs visible throughout the route. Notably, she observed a significant increase in young girls among the crowds, a contrast to previous eras of Arsenal celebrations. This observation fuels her passion for cultivating and supporting a new generation of female footballers.
This commitment led Russo to launch her own foundation and actively participate in the fifth year of Starling Bank’s “Kick On” initiative. This program aims to connect local businesses with girls’ football teams in need of financial backing, specifically by subsidizing front-of-shirt sponsorship. Recent survey data commissioned by Starling Bank reveals a critical funding gap in grassroots women’s football.
Grassroots Football Funding Challenges
The survey, which included input from female players, business leaders, and coaches, indicated that a staggering 97% of grassroots female football clubs require additional funds, directly impacting opportunities for young girls. Alarmingly, 76% of female players expressed concerns about potentially dropping out of the sport within five years if funding does not improve. Furthermore, 40% of female players reported that their teams receive less funding compared to their male counterparts.
“These are quite damning statistics, which is such a shame considering the growth that we see in the women’s game,” Russo commented. “Over the last five or six years, the growth has just been incredible, but there’s still work to do at the bottom to build it up.” She expressed concern that the momentum of women’s football could be jeopardized, potentially leading to the loss of talented players due to a lack of support at the grassroots level.
Russo emphasized the importance of ensuring that talented young players are not overlooked simply because they lack access to a local team or because their current team disbands. “It seems like such an easy fix as teams don’t need much, but obviously it isn’t because it’s still a problem,” she noted. She fondly recalled the individuals who influenced her own grassroots journey and highlighted the potential for local businesses to not only provide financial investment but also to play a crucial role in shaping the lives and careers of aspiring young athletes.
Personal Reflection and Future Ambitions
With no major international women’s tournaments this year, Russo has been able to enjoy a period of rest and focus on her broader passions, including grassroots development. “It was really important that I did have some proper downtime,” she stated. The increased demands of recent years necessitated a focus on physical and mental well-being. After a brief period of rest, Russo found herself eager to return to training, developing personal routines and enjoying activities like training during family holidays.
She also had the opportunity to experience the excitement of the World Cup as a spectator, attending the England vs. Panama match in New York, and celebrated personal milestones with teammates. Reflecting on her standout 2025-26 season, Russo maintained her focus on team success. “I’m obviously pleased with my season for Arsenal and England from a personal point of view but, ultimately, I’ll always judge it on the trophies that we win,” she said.
Looking ahead, Russo expressed the team’s hunger for the upcoming season, emphasizing their collective goal to be the most capable team in the Women’s Super League (WSL). The high standards set during pre-season training, coupled with the arrival of seven new players, have created intense competition within the squad. “So yeah, I feel happy but now I really want to continue to push on with Arsenal and England and win some trophies,” she concluded, signaling her strong ambition for continued success.
