Arsenal in the Community

“To act as a mentor is a privilege”

Jamie is 23 and from north London. He has been an Arsenal Student, Gap Year Student and a Community Coach to complete the hat-trick!

“I first heard about Arsenal in the Community projects when I was in secondary school and they were advertising the Arsenal Student Level 3 programme, which the school recommended me for. I’ve always wanted to be involved in football and coaching since I was very young, and being given the opportunity at Arsenal Football Club was amazing. “Following my time as a student I progressed on to Arsenal’s coach education Gap Year, and I now work as a Community coach. Being a fan of the club made it really easy for me to decide that I wanted to continue with coaching.

“Before joining Arsenal in the Community I was a very shy person and I’m definitely more confident because of my experiences. My Arsenal journey is approaching seven years now, and I’ve been part of changing scenarios and unique experiences that have really helped me – for example coaching in Uganda for three months. Some of the other opportunities have included watching first-team training, playing on the Emirates pitch, being invited to the Directors’ Box to watch a game, gaining my FA Level 1 and 2 coaching qualifications and managing my own under-10s team. All these activities have been incredible. I’ve enjoyed every moment and hopefully there are more to come…

“I’ve made good friendships through my time with the club, and I’ve worked and coached with many of the Arsenal staff who have really helped me develop as a coach, from just starting my coaching career to now starting my UEFA B, which I’m so excited for.

“I have developed and enhanced many skills during my time including behaviour management and first aid, as well as interview and communication skills. These are all things that can benefit me outside of the coaching environment and in my daily life.

“But my favourite part of being a Community coach is the impact I can have on young people. It has surprised me how much I can have an effect on someone and the decisions they make away from sessions. Using football as a tool to engage and to act as a mentor is a privilege. It means a great deal to be part of this massive football club, to wear the kit every day and represent the club, while doing something I love.

“I would say join if you have the opportunity to be involved in a community project. It gives you so many unique opportunities that many people will never get to experience. Since being a coach here it has definitely improved my knowledge of football and coaching and given me a foundation to hopefully become a top coach and even better person.”

See Full List

Fixtures & Results

Premier League
Ticket Info