Arsenal star Beth Mead has spoken of her pride at taking up an ambassadorial role with Whitby Town and hopes she can help them reach a new level, both on and off the pitch.

Whitby Town, known as the seasiders, is Beth Mead’s hometown club, located some 250 miles from the Emirates in north London.

“I’m really excited and proud to have become ambassador of my local football team Whitby Town” Mead told the Whitby Gazette.

“I know Eddie (chairman Eddie McNamee) well and we had a few conversations and it sounded exciting where the club is going.

“I’d like to help the club get to a new level on and off the field in anyway I can.

“Of course I want the women’s game to take off in England and there’s no better place to start than my local town.”

A message from our new club ambassador, @bmeado9! pic.twitter.com/NPYZBQBTwq

— Whitby Town FC (@WhitbyTownFC) July 31, 2019

Whitby Town, meanwhile, added, “The club is delighted to have Beth join the ranks as a club ambassador.

“The success that Beth has had in her career to date has been exemplary, and we’re thrilled that she has joined up with us going into what we consider to be a bright future for both Beth and the football club.

“As a local sporting icon, and an England international, Beth is the perfect person to join as an ambassador.”