Leah Williamson collects Grassrootss Game Changer Award on behalf of Arsenal | OneFootball

Leah Williamson was at Grassroot Soccer Gala 2025 this week, collecting a Game Changer Award on behalf of Arsenal.

What is the Game Changer Award?

The Game Changer Award is given to a club or individual for making a significant contribution to improving the wellbeing of people in football.

Arsenal received this year’s prize in recognition of driving gender inclusion and wellbeing.

Speaking on behalf of Arsenal at the ceremony, Leah Williamson said: “Being at Arsenal for 20 years, despite the primary target of any football club being to win, I believe that I can say that Arsenal also live by the mantra that there is more to football than just the game.

“My primary responsibility as a football player is to go on the pitch and win, and I know that, but Arsenal has always encouraged me to look at what can be done beyond those 90 minutes.

“For me to think about the legacy that we’ve had and how proud it makes me, the duty that we all feel to give out to that community, to use our platform to speak about gender inclusion and wellbeing, it’s an open, progressive, inclusive environment.

“It doesn’t matter your gender, your ethnicity, your sexuality, you can find a sense of belonging.”

When Will Leah Williamson make Arsenal return?

Arsenal captain Leah Williamson is yet to feature for the Gunners this year after picking up a knee injury at the Euros.

Williamson had to have surgery for the issue and was forced to spend nearly five months on the sideline.

After months of rehab, the 28-year-old is finally close to making her return to action.

The superstar defender is back playing on grass for the first time since the Euros final, but she is still yet to appear in first team training.

Arsenal are expecting Williamson to make her return to competitive football before the end of the year.

Sarina Wiegman will also be glad to have her captain back for the next international break, with England starting their World Cup qualifying campaign in March.