Arsenal Women Arsecast 88: Behind the Scenes on Arsenal Women’s tour of DC
Aug 28, 2024
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Emily Keogh, an ESPN journalist, shares insights from Arsenal Women's tour in Washington DC. She discusses the challenges of the tour and the importance of media access. Head coach Jonas Eidevall offers his perspective on team dynamics, while Clare Wheatley delves into recruitment strategies. The conversation highlights the crucial relationship between media and sports, enhancing fan engagement and strengthening Arsenal's brand in the US. A light-hearted note on Arsenal's rivalry with Chelsea adds a fun twist to the serious discussions.
Arsenal Women’s proactive preseason strategy aims to capitalize on tough matches for swift adaptation and early-season momentum.
Increased media access during tours enhances journalist-player interactions, fostering deeper engagement and insightful storytelling about women’s football.
Deep dives
The Need for a Fast Start
The importance of a strong beginning to the season is emphasized, particularly for Arsenal as they approach crucial Champions League qualifiers. The club acknowledges the need to improve upon previous seasons where slow starts hindered their title ambitions. By playing tough matches during preseason, they are deliberately seeking to challenge their players to adapt quickly and gain momentum before facing significant opponents. This proactive approach reflects their awareness that early performance in the season can have a lasting impact on their chances for success.
Media Access and Club Engagement
The podcast discusses the benefits of increased media access during preseason tours, which provides journalists a unique opportunity to connect with players and managers. This access allows for deeper engagement and more insightful content, beyond just match reports. The clubs are keen to foster these media relationships, understanding that the relaxed environment of a tour can yield valuable stories that resonate with fans. The emphasis on community engagement and direct player interaction underscores the clubs' recognition of the growing interest in women's football.
Competition in the Women’s Football Market
Arsenal’s tours in the U.S. reflect the growing significance of the American market for women’s football, where existing enthusiasm and support for the game provide both challenges and opportunities. The presence of strong local teams and established leagues means that Arsenal must work to carve out their brand in a competitive landscape. This situation allows clubs to connect with a receptive audience, as the U.S. is home to a passionate women's soccer fan base, providing an avenue for crossover between domestic and international teams. The historical context of player exchanges also adds depth to the clubs' connections with U.S. fans.
Player Development and Team Dynamics
The integration of new signings and the development of younger players are highlighted as key to team growth and success in the upcoming season. Coaches are focused on placing these players in crucial roles and ensuring they can step up during pivotal matches. Additionally, the tour serves as an opportunity to establish on-field relationships and team chemistry ahead of a competitive season. The conversations reveal a shared understanding among players and management about the necessity of striving for improvement and making the most out of the upcoming challenges.
In this episode of the Arsenal Women Arsecast, Tim is joined by ESPN’s Emily Keogh to compare notes on Arsenal Women’s tour of Washington DC. Emily and Tim were the only two UK based journalists to travel and they compare notes on the tour, the commercial and media benefits of it and Emily talks a little about interviews she conducted with Jonas Eidevall and Clare Wheatley in DC.