The club were founded in 1987 by Vic Akers, the kit manager for the Arsenal men's team, who today is still the club's general manager. They won their first major honour, the Women's League Cup in 1991-92. Later in 1992 they became founder members of the FA Women's Premier League and won the inaugural title; as of 2007 they have won nine of the 15 League titles[1] – the most of any club – and have won four titles in a row between 2004 and 2007.[2] As of 2007 Arsenal have won the FA Women's Cup eight times, and the Women's League Cup nine times.[1] This includes three League and FA Women's Cup Doubles, in 1994-95, 2003-04 and 2005-06, and three domestic Trebles, in 1992-93, 2000-01 and 2006-07. The 2006-07 season has turned out to be Arsenal's most successful ever, having won not just all three domestic trophies but also the UEFA Women's Cup, having won the 2006-07 competition by beating Umeå IK in the final 1-0 on aggregate; this was the first time any British club has won the competition and thus the quadruple.[3] Arsenal have represented England a total of five times in the UEFA Women's Cup, and had previously reached the semi-finals twice (in 2002-03 and 2004-05). Additionally during the 2006-07 season, Arsenal Ladies won every game they played in the Premier League (P22 W22 D0 L0), scoring 119 goals in the process.[4] They ended their season with a 6-0 win over Leeds United on May 202007. Their last League defeat came against Charlton Athletic on October 152003, meaning the club have now been unbeaten in just over four years , as of October 2007.
Players
Initially founded as an amateur side, Arsenal Ladies turned semi-professional in 2002. Many of the club's players represent their international side; four of the first team, including England's biggest women's football star, Kelly Smith, were in the England squad for the 2005 European Championship. Ten of the current squad have played for England at the highest level;[5] the club also boasts internationals for Wales, Scotland and Republic of Ireland, with a total of fifteen members of the current squad having represented their country.[5] Arsenal LFC also operate a reserve team, which is mainly formed from Academy players. The reserves have won four FA Women's Premier Reserve League titles and five FA Women's Premier Reserve League Cups in their history.
The Ladies side have the full backing and support of Arsenal Football Club. David Dein, the former vice-chairman of Arsenal men's team, held the position of club President until he left the club on 18 April2007. Keith Edelman, Managing Director of Arsenal FC now holds the position of club President. A number of the playing staff are employed by Arsenal to develop and co-ordinate the women's teams and club Academy. Ties between the two are close; sponsorship by Emirates and Nike is shared, and the Ladies club have been entitled to play at Arsenal's home stadium (Highbury until 2005-06, Emirates Stadium since then).
Keith Edelman
