Arsenal have a long history of being one of the most progressive clubs in football – but their latest women’s first team squad photo sparked serious conversation online, with not a single Black or minority ethnic player in the frame.

The VERSUS team breaks down why this photo caused much discussion online and why it should act as a point to call for more diversity in Women’s football.

We also look at the week’s other biggest talking points off-pitch, including the Reggae Girlz’ boycott of their upcoming fixtures due to issues with the Jamaican Football Federation and the importance of Trent Alexander-Arnold's investment in Formula 1.

We also recall impactful the international career of Christine Sinclair, whilst paying respect to the late Sir Bobby Charlton.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Amie Cripps (@amiloucri)

Ahmed Shooble (@AhmedShooble)

Stormzy and Merky FC have just announced 50 jobs in football for young people from black heritage backgrounds, in the second season of their mission to diversify the industry. The VERSUS team breaks down the significance of this movement and why Stormzy commands real respect.

We also look at the week’s other biggest talking points off-pitch, including the WSL being the latest women’s domestic league to be get a sticker album and the latests on Jude Bellingham’s exploits abroad. We also recall the unmatched influence of another VERSUS legend, Eden Hazard, as he retires from the game.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Amie Cripps (@amiloucri)

Johnny Kay (@ojhnyn)

David Beckham's eagerly anticipated documentary has finally dropped. From that red card to his high fashion era, Beckham has always been the centre of attention. The VERSUS team breaks down the significance of this documentary and why football docs are increasingly present in the modern game.

We also have our first ever 'Ask The Admin’, in which we discuss the Premier League's growing competitiveness at the suggestion of one member from the VERSUS community. We also give flowers to one of the game’s most under-appreciated legends, Emile Heskey.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Johnny Kay (@ojhnyn)

Some of the most influential ballers and artists of this generation have come from South of the River.

The VERSUS team took over size? Brixton for an inspirational conversation about the impact of 'Concrete Catalonia' with our very own Mayowa Quadri chopping it up alongside Arsenal and England young baller Bradley Ibrahim, author Aniefiok 'Neef' Ekpoudom, and Brixton royalty Cristale.

This podcast was recorded in collaboration with size? and Nike as part of ‘The House Party’, a series of live events that celebrate new football culture in size? stores across Europe. Listen to the full podcast via our link in bio.

AC Milan and Off-White just dropped their off-pitch collection for a second consecutive season, elevating the world of football and fashion yet again. The VERSUS team breaks down the significance of their partnership and how it can inspire other clubs.

We also look at the week’s other biggest talking points off-pitch, including Leah Williamson’s landmark speech at the UN and what the WSL will look like after the biggest Women’s World Cup ever. We also recall the social and cultural impact of another VERSUS legend, Kelly Smith.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Amie Cripps (@amiloucri)

Johnny Kay (@ojhnyn)

EA Sports FC 24 has finally launched on PlayStation 5, marking one of the biggest moments in the football culture calendar. The VERSUS team breaks down the significance of the rebrand and the introduction of women’s players into Ultimate Team.

We also look at some of the biggest talking points off-pitch including the mental health of major Premier League players, the importance of Saka, Son and Eze attending London Fashion Week, and recall the legendary impact of Joe Cole’s career.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Amie Cripps (@amiloucri)

Johnny Kay (@ojhnyn)

Football’s journey to become a safe and inclusive space for all fans is far from over. Last month the game saw the biggest-ever Women’s World Cup take place in Australia and New Zealand, a tournament that saw dozens of ‘out’ players take centre stage and showcase not only their elite skills but the power of championing queer identities. The women’s game has traditionally been far more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community compared to the men’s, and it’s about time that changed.

The VERSUS team took over size? Manchester in celebration of the city’s annual Pride event, where our very own Amie Cripps chopped it up with Manchester City and England baller Demi Stokes for a live recording of ‘The Future of Football’ podcast to discuss her coming out story, LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the women’s game compared to the men’s, the ups and downs of IVF and how she now balances her career as a professional footballer and a mum.

This podcast was recorded in collaboration with size? and Nike as part of ‘The House Party’, a series of live events that celebrate new football culture in size? stores across Europe. Listen to the full podcast via our link in bio.

There has never been any room for racism in football – but the climate in Spain’s top flight has become progressively worse. The VERSUS team discusses Viní Jr's latest racial abuse ordeal and how change can be achieved.

We also break down the most important topics in football culture including adidas and Prada's innovative new boot collaboration, and why Newcastle United’s UCL qualification is a good time to revisit sportswashing.

‘The Future of Football’ is a weekly podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Johnny Kay (@ojhnyn)

Whilst the end of the season is approaching, preparation for the next campaign has already started with the world’s biggest teams dropping their new kits for 23/24. The VERSUS team explores the trends in jersey culture that have got the streets talking, and how football shirts keep on evolving.

We also break down the most important topics in football culture including Mental Health Awareness Week and why this conversation matters in football, a further discussion on the changing face of sports media, and make our nominees for this season’s MVP.

‘The Future of Football’ is a weekly podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Morgan Allan (@morganallann)

The Premier League has officially unveiled its Hall of Fame class for 2023 – but what should be one of the most significant cultural moments in the football calendar feels like a missed opportunity. The VERSUS team looks at why the PL should turn to the NBA for some inspiration in how to honour legends the right way.

We also break down the most important stories in football culture from the last week including Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new project to help ex-academy players transition out of football, what Graeme Souness’ departure means for sports media, and VERSUS’ new initiative with Chelsea that’s seeking to diversify football off-pitch.

‘The Future of Football’ is a weekly podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)

Tyler Larbi