Hey Junior Gunners - I hope you are all well and have had a great summer.
Since my last blog I've travelled thousands of miles with the first team on our pre-season tour of Asia. The best part for me was meeting so many fans who turned out in their thousands to see their favourite team and favourite players.
After a very successful tour it was time to head back home for the Emirates Cup. Taking part this season were Napoli, Galatasaray and Porto. I was kept busy for the two days meeting supporters in the club shop, on the podium level with the Roadshow and of course around the pitch inside the stadium. Unfortunately we didn’t lift the trophy as Galatasaray beat us 2-1 in the tournament decider.
On August 8, we held our Members’ Day at Emirates Stadium and over 5,000 Arsenal fans were in attendance! They got to watch the team train and were also able to take part in loads of fun events during the afternoon.
To celebrate 30 years of the Junior Gunners, I took part in a parade with 30 young JGs. We walked to the centre circle where we released 30 balloons into the air, with each balloon offering a special gift to those who were lucky enough to find one. I wonder how far the balloons travelled. I will let you know which one was found furthest away in my next blog.
After releasing the balloons came the highlight of the day for the JGs and me as they took on the first-team squad on the Emirates pitch! I went in goal and managed to keep the score down. I only let in two and the boys and girls scored four at the other end as we ran out winners. It was a great experience for all involved and one which the young fans will remember for a very long time.
The Junior Gunners Roadshow has also been making its way up and down the country visiting Soccer schools in various towns, with me making guest appearances.
I couldn’t wait for the start of the Premier League season and it finally arrived on August 17. I was very busy, meeting fans and mascots as well as greeting the players before kick-off.
We got off to a great start through Olivier but ended up losing 3-1. Still, the team bounced back with a great 3-0 win against Fenerbahce on Wednesday so hopefully we will be able to take that performance into our upcoming games.
That’s all for now.
Big hugs,
Gunner
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