Holly Fanshawe: “Now I cheer for Arsenal”

Throughout International Women’s Month, we’ll be showcasing the remarkable contributions of women staff in Arsenal’s Community department. In our second instalment we hear from Holly Fanshawe, who speaks about her role at Arsenal, her inspirations and the importance of International Women’s Month. 

Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your role and what does it entail?

I’m part of the education team, serving as the Secondary Education Curriculum Lead. My role primarily involves delivering Premier League Inspires, a programme designed to support secondary-aged youth in reaching their full potential, fostering soft skills, and enhancing employability. Our approach is balanced, with 50 per cent classroom and 50 per cent dedicated to football activities, including discussions on careers in football. 

Additionally we organise various PSHE events, including those for International Women’s Month, LGBTQ+ History Month and Black History Month, along with hosting events in the stadium. Ultimately, our goal is to empower young individuals in Hackney, Camden and Islington to recognise and achieve their aspirations.

What was your journey to Arsenal?

I studied Geography at the University of Bristol, where I became involved with a charity called Student Actions for Refugees (STAR) dedicated to supporting refugees. Through this I participated in their weekly homework clubs and discovered a passion for working with young people. After graduating, I worked in the Special Educational Needs department of a local school, which I found immensely fulfilling.

On moving to London from Cornwall I joined a charity called Construction Youth Trust, focused on educating, training and inspiring young individuals to pursue opportunities in the construction industry. I spent three years there before landing my current role at Arsenal.

What are your favourite sports?

I love running and swimming, and I was heavily involved in triathlon through my teens. Since joining Arsenal I’ve been captivated by the football world, and I thoroughly enjoy supporting Arsenal. While growing up, my primary focus was supporting the England team, but now I cheer for Arsenal as well.

What do you love most about your job?

I’m passionate about harnessing the influence of football to foster positive change and create opportunities for young people to develop essential skills and the confidence to pursue their aspirations. The Arsenal badge holds immense power in enabling young individuals to connect with our mission.

It’s truly special to be part of our all-girls programmes, which offer a wide range of activities and opportunities. From participating in social action projects like the Premier League Inspires Challenge to exploring creative subjects through our Time to Explore initiative, there’s something for everyone. 

Lotte Wubben-Moy’s involvement adds an extra layer of inspiration and encouragement for the girls. As someone who has risen through the Academy ranks, lives locally and has achieved remarkable success while giving back to the community, Lotte is a fantastic role model. Her presence in the sessions helps the girls connect and engage, and her contributions to the programme’s set-up have been invaluable. Through these sessions, the girls not only get to try new things but also build friendships and meaningful relationships with each other.

I’m grateful to be part of a department where colleagues are dedicated to making a difference in the community. From supporting local food banks to initiatives like the No More Red campaign and engaging with older participants, witnessing the work of my colleagues and its impact inspires me every day. Together, we strive to ensure that the influence of our club is strongly felt within the local community.

Why are you so passionate about community and youth work?

I was fortunate to have parents who instilled in me the belief that opportunities were available for me, and I think it’s crucial for all young people to hold that belief in themselves.

Working with young people is truly rewarding for me. They bring a refreshing energy, and every day presents new and exciting challenges. I find fulfilment in ensuring that young people are aware of the opportunities available to them.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Invest in Women Accelerate Progress”. What does this mean to you?

Empowering young girls and showing them that they have the ability to achieve anything they set their minds to is incredibly important. The growth of women’s football serves as a tangible example of this empowerment, providing young girls with visible role models and career opportunities they may not have considered.

Arsenal’s commitment to women’s football both on and off the pitch is inspiring. It’s not just about what happens during matches, but also about the work being done in the community to promote gender equality and representation. By actively pushing for equal representation and engaging in conversations about the women’s game, Arsenal is using football as a powerful tool for positive change, influencing perceptions and inspiring the next generation to break down barriers.

Which women did you look up to?

Family has always been special to me. I’ve been fortunate to have older cousins who have been like mentors to me. Among them, my grandma stands out as a formidable force who imparted invaluable lessons that have stayed with me. The achievements of athletes like Jessica Ennis-Hill have also inspired me. 

What’s your favourite sporting memory?

I was incredibly fortunate to attend Super Saturday during the London 2012 Olympics, witnessing iconic moments such as Jessica Ennis-Hill, Mo Farah, and Greg Rutherford winning gold medals. Growing up in Cornwall, trips to London were rare, so this experience was particularly special for my family and me. I vividly recall our seats being right behind the coaches, adding to the excitement of the event. Seeing Usain Bolt in action that day made it even more memorable. It was an unforgettable day filled with awe-inspiring performances.