Jodie Taylor, the winner of the Champions League, anticipates that in ten or fifteen years, players of the next generation will be seated in her position, discussing “even more progress” in the women’s game. She is eager to watch it evolve “from strength to strength” and understands that investment is essential to its expansion.
Where that investment goes is Taylor’s main worry, along with that of Australia’s Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, and Kyra Cooney-Cross at Arsenal. Prior to this year’s International Women’s Day, the 37-year-old spoke with Optus Sport on the theme, “Count Her In: Invest in Women.” “Accelerate Progress” centers on the role of economic empowerment in promoting equality.
There are many instances that demonstrate the extent to which investment has improved the women’s game. Whether it’s the Gunners’ WSL record of numerous sold-out Emirates, the breaking of player transfer records, the game’s greater exposure, the record-breaking Women’s World Cup last year, better facilities, or fanfare.
It’s undeniable that the game has changed significantly since Taylor made her professional debut in 2002 in the top division of England with Tranmere Rovers. Says she: “I wish I had known that this is where the game would be right now 22 years ago; there was no way I could have imagined it.”
