Arsenal Star Alessia Russo Empowers Young Footballers Through New Initiative

In November 2025, Arsenal and England forward Alessia Russo has launched a new foundation aimed at increasing girls' participation in sports and promoting female health. As part of this initiative, Russo recently hosted the Alessia Cup, an annual girls' football tournament organized in partnership with the London-based charity Goals 4 Girls.

The tournament, which took place just days before the current date, saw 180 young female footballers gather at the New River Leisure Centre in Haringey. Russo, who had just finished training, stayed for as long as possible to engage with the girls, signing their new Alessia Cup kits, Adidas boots, and other merchandise. She also participated in a Q&A session, handed out medals and trophies, and posed for photographs with the excited crowd.

The Alessia Cup is part of Russo's broader efforts to give back and inspire the next generation of female athletes. The three pillars of her foundation - increasing participation, helping girls pursue their career paths, and promoting female health - align closely with the mission of Goals 4 Girls. Francesca Brown, the charity's founder, believes Russo's involvement has been a powerful addition, as the girls can see firsthand what is possible and feel "counted, seen and heard."