Walti Highlights Need for Greater Professional Recognition in Women’s Football

Walti expressed her passion for driving change, citing the professional standards she has experienced in England as a privilege.

She recalled a time when conditions were subpar and salaries were insufficient to sustain a living.

Now, observing the progress in English football and collaborating with players dedicated to advancing the sport in their home countries, she feels frustration at the persisting challenges.

It’s easy to lose perspective within one’s own bubble, forgetting that such experiences are not the norm; she acknowledges being among the fortunate who have access to them.

She notes that many talented women athletes are lost due to inadequate environments that fail to recognize or support their potential.

Walti emphasizes her desire to create impact, recounting how speaking up in Italy yielded little response, which was deeply frustrating.

As she contemplated her future — with a year remaining on her Juventus contract — she identified Brighton as a club capable of providing a high‑quality environment.

In April, Brighton unveiled plans for what would become Europe’s first purpose‑built women’s football stadium, projected to cost £75‑80 million.

In 2021, the women’s team relocated to the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, a facility made possible by an £8.5 million investment.

On the pitch, the club has pursued strategic transfers and, for the first time, reached the Women’s FA Cup final in May.

Under Dario Vidosic, the side aims to break into the WSL’s top three, and Walti believes she has joined a club that genuinely cares about women’s football.

Reflecting on her Italian experience, Walti says she gained clearer insight into what she wants — and doesn’t want — from her career.

She entered discussions with strong trust in Brighton, having observed the club’s operations within the league.

She has heard from fellow players about the club’s substantial investments and consistently positive feedback, which she considers the best endorsement.

Her initial experiences with Brighton confirmed that it is the right place — one that cares about, invests in, and has the appropriate leadership for women’s football.

Source link