Holly Walker: “It’s not OK for bias to exist”

Throughout International Women’s Month, we’re highlighting the amazing work our staff do within the Community department at Arsenal. Today we hear from sports programme teacher Holly Walker, who speaks about her role, her love of community work and why we must all help to break down barriers to women in sport.

What’s your job and what does it entail?

I’m a sports programme teacher within our post-16 education programmes. It’s a blended role that combines teaching and coaching responsibilities, which means alternating between classroom instruction and coaching sessions on the field. Primarily I’m involved in delivering Level 2 provision, although we also offer Level 3 programmes. These cater to boys and girls aged between 16 and 18 who aspire to build a career in sports. Our students work towards their NCFE sports qualifications while simultaneously honing their coaching skills and gaining practical experience.

What do you love most about your job?

I find inspiration in the young people I work with. Being surrounded by motivated and aspiring individuals is incredibly rewarding. As a huge football fan myself, it’s fulfilling to be around like-minded individuals. Seeing these young people seize opportunities and advance in their sports careers, and knowing that I’ve contributed to their journey, brings me great satisfaction.

Tell us about your journey to your current role… 

I’ve always had a deep love for football. From a young age I was immersed in the game thanks to my dad, who supported and encouraged me every step of the way. My educational journey was tailored towards a career in sports, particularly football. After completing a sports science degree at university I pursued a master’s in Sports Psychology. It was during this time that I developed an interest in the psychological aspects of sports, especially after experiencing my first ACL rupture and grappling with the mental challenges that came with it.

After university my career took off. I spent a year at the Portsmouth Academy, where I conducted sports psychology workshops for players aged from under-9s to under-18s, which was a great experience. Then I transitioned to a role at Pompey in the Community, where my focus was on encouraging young people to volunteer in sports-related activities.

I wanted to further my career so I pursued a teaching qualification and completed my PGCE on a part-time basis over two years. I also took on a teaching role at Crawley Town, where I spent three years leading their football and education programme. Then six months ago I joined Arsenal.

I’ve loved all of my roles within the community. Whether it was at Portsmouth, Crawley Town or now at Arsenal, my focus has always been on community-based initiatives. Growing up I didn’t have the same opportunities that are available today, so I’ve always felt a strong desire to give back in any way I can. Working with these clubs has allowed me to make a positive impact and contribute to the development of young people, which is incredibly rewarding.

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

In today’s world it’s not OK for bias to exist. Organisations must be courageous and confront gender bias and discrimination head-on to ensure a level playing field. Even in 2024, negative gender stereotypes about women persist and are still prevalent in society. Stereotyping certain careers and roles based on gender still goes on. I’ve encountered this bias, with some people assuming I’m the physiotherapist rather than the coach simply because of my gender. It’s crucial for us collectively to challenge and break down these biases, not only during International Women’s Month but at all times.

How amazing is it to see Arsenal Women sell out the Emirates two games in a row?

The turnout at the WSL games has been remarkable. Witnessing such attendance levels is truly amazing, especially considering that this level of support was unheard of ten to 15 years ago. The rapid growth of women’s football in such a short period is a testament to the investment made by clubs like Arsenal. It’s not just about supporting the players on the field, but also about creating opportunities for women in various careers within football. This commitment from Arsenal and other clubs is incredibly inspiring for the younger generation, encouraging them to be fearless n their pursuit of equality.

Who has inspired you?

I have tremendous admiration for Alex Scott – she has made significant contributions to women’s football. She’s an absolute legend of the game and has broken barriers in male-dominated football-related roles. Alex is as a powerful role model for women and young girls, showing them that they can achieve their dreams and succeed in any field they choose to pursue.

What’s your favourite sporting memory?

The Women’s Euros 2022 final stands out. Beating Germany at Wembley was a moment of incredible drama, and marked the first major tournament for the women and the first major trophy for any England team since 1966. It was a monumental accomplishment that will always be remembered.