‘Fat clubs’ in women’s football: Chloe Kelly on body image pressures
The Arsenal forward explained how, while she has not personally struggled with body image, she has witnessed teammates go through extreme changes under unnecessary pressure.
The two-time Euros winner said. “But seeing previous teammates at clubs being in something called a ‘fat club’. I think that is really, as a woman, disappointing.
“I’ve definitely been in teams where there’s been a fat club and it’s sad. Seeing your friends go from one extreme to the other – I’ve seen my friends and my teammates lose so much weight and be so unhappy and obsessed. And I think that really does affect your mental health.
“And for me, I think I could have done more [to help]. But actually, it’s from the outside and not knowing what’s right.”
Kelly moved from Manchester City to Arsenal on loan in January, making the switch permanent over the summer, having previously spoken about her ‘dark time’ at City.
Despite these personal challenges, the 27-year-old believes the women’s game has made significant strides in moving away from damaging practices especially around body image.
“I think looking after your health and your mental health is important,” she added. “I think there’s been a lot of change from what I’ve seen in the growth of the game.
“In previous seasons, where the game may not have been where we are at now, sometimes there were things like fat clubs – that was maybe not the right thing for us as women and how we take things.
“I think that just shows where we needed to take our game in terms of professionalism and the people that are involved in our sport. There’s definitely a way to move the game forward. And we’ve been able to do that.”
The Arsenal star, who came fifth in the Ballon d’Or earlier this week, also stressed the importance of shifting the focus towards health and performance, rather than appearance.
“Young girls now are making sure what they’re doing is right for their body,” Kelly added. To be an athlete and not to actually look good.
“I train to be the best I can be on the pitch and not to look good away from the pitch – I think that’s really important for me.
“I think young girls can look up to many of us in terms of what we do to train our bodies. But also, it’s the other way of what’s right for you as a human being. And what makes you happy and healthy.”
