Arsenal in the Community

Aran McCarthy, Arsenal Gap Year 2013

Aran McCarthy, Arsenal Gap Year 2013

 

From: Camden, North London

Pre-Gap Year: A-Levels and Art & Film Foundation Degree

Post-Gap Year: Travelling and part-time media work with Arsenal in the Community

Gap Year placement(s): Mozambique, Barbados 

What did you gain from doing the Arsenal Gap Year? 

Quality coaches training from one of the biggest clubs in the world. Unforgettable experiences abroad, from coaching rural street kids on football pitches embedded to the side of Mozambican Mountains, to basking on the many beaches of Barbados after a long day of coaching, and seeing Kangaroos hop by you on your way to work on the east coast of Australia. All of these unforgettable memories and many more will be forever with me. Also made some friends for life along the way, and the amount of new skills I have learnt are almost uncountable. 

What was your favourite part of the programme? 

I really enjoyed working within the inner city schools of North London, forever challenging but always rewarding. The children were incredibly inspiring to work with, their ambitions were always interesting to listen too, I learnt a lot in this period. Working abroad for half of the year wasn’t too bad either. 

How would you describe your overall experience on the Arsenal Gap Year?

An incredible experience filled with new adventures, new friendships and new found skills. To say it has been the best year of my life is no exaggeration. 

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of doing the Arsenal Gap Year?

Do it, you won’t regret it. If you’re looking for an awesome experience that few people in the world will be able to say they’ve done, this is it. In every job interview I have ever had since, this 'Gap Year' has always came up in conversation and it’s such a great thing to talk about and sets you apart from the crowd. So what are you waiting for? Start your application today!

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