Fifteenth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

The representation of Asian women footballers in the Women’s Super League in the United Kingdom remains disproportionately low despite the growing interest in women’s football. In an effort to increase diversity, the Football Association has implemented inclusive policies to boost the presence of Asian girls and women in football at all levels. However, the experiences of foreign-born Asian women footballers in the UK and the challenges they face have not been thoroughly explored in the sport literature, highlighting a significant gap in knowledge regarding the intersection of race, ethnicity, and gender in football. By adopting an intersectional approach, we capture the voices and perspectives of foreign-born Asian women footballers competing in the WSL, shedding light on how their nationalities and cultural backgrounds intersect to shape their roles. Through in-depth interviews and data analysis, we seek to understand the strategies these players employ to navigate the advancements and challenges in the WSL, providing valuable insights into the lived experiences of Asian women footballers in England. This study contributes to the sport literature by addressing the underexplored intersectional considerations of Asian women in sport and focusing on individual and group experiences within the professional football context. By highlighting the day-to-day challenges and rewards faced by foreign-born Asian women footballers, we aim to inform policy and practice in sport organizations, promoting diversity and inclusion in the sporting landscape. Ultimately, this study has the potential to enrich theoretical understandings of diversity and identity negotiation in football, benefiting scholars and practitioners in sport.