First steps into coaching

The Arsenal in the Community Coach Development Programme offers a unique opportunity for young people to gain qualifications and experience in coaching football while contributing to Arsenal’s community projects in the UK and around the world.

Twenty one participants from Islington, the UK and beyond joined the programme at the start of September. Between now and July they will undertake a comprehensive programme of coach education from our team of experienced coaches and industry experts, and have the chance to apply their learning by leading and supporting sessions across our Arsenal in the Community projects. And it’s safe to say that things are going well so far…

“It has been so nice being accepted by everyone and making new friends. The coaches are so knowledgeable but also personable, they have brought out the best in me so far and I am really excited about what I have to learn.”

Participant Peter Bone

“Being a student at Arsenal is one of the best things in the world. The group is brilliant, and we have already had great experiences as part of the programme. The opportunities that Arsenal provide for young people is amazing. I am looking forward to becoming the best version of a coach I can be.”

Participant Riley Butler

In the coming months our CDP coaches will undertake placements in primary schools, social inclusion sessions and with accessibility groups as well as short placements at the pre-Academy and girl’s Academy.

Later in the year coaches may be offered the opportunity to travel abroad to support The Arsenal Foundation’s Coaching for Life Programme in Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan, as Rebecca, one of the 2022/23 CDP coaches, did earlier this year:

“I had wanted to get into coaching for a while but didn’t know how or where to start. I’ve been an Arsenal fan since I was young. My dad used to take me to games all the time and when the Emirates opened, he managed to get season tickets, so we’ve been going ever since. I’d heard about Arsenal in the Community and their projects, so it was a combination of my interest in coaching and being an Arsenal fan that made me apply for the CDP.

“I have learned a lot about myself as a coach and a person. As a coach it has reinforced my belief that football should be a fun, safe space, because everyone deserves that time and opportunity to explore and play the game. As a person I’ve learned I’m more capable than I thought I was, and to have confidence in myself and my abilities.”

Participant Rebecca Finch

More on the CDP 

Based in London, at The Arsenal Hub, our coaches undertake a comprehensive programme of coach education, and gain experience by leading and supporting sessions across our range of Arsenal in the Community projects. Coaching qualifications such as the Introduction to Coaching Football (FA Level 1), First Aid and Safeguarding courses. Coaches who already hold the FA Level 1 are still strongly encouraged to apply.

Local community placements include primary schools, social inclusion/estate sessions, and accessibility groups, as well as six three-month placements at Arsenal’s Pre-Academy and opportunities at the Girls’ Academy in Hertfordshire.

Upon completion of the initial stages of delivery, coaches may be offered the opportunity to travel abroad to support our work around the world. Placements in 2023 included supporting The Arsenal Foundation’s Coaching for Life programme in Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan, and multiple summer placements in the USA.

For more information email Drew Tyler, Coach Development Programme Lead, at dtyler@arsenal.co.uk or click here

You can read more about Rebecca’s work at Za’atari here