It took just 10 games as a goalkeeper for a young Jack Porter to be scouted by Arsenal, and after signing his first professional contract, the history maker is looking to create more memories in N5.
After starting life as a midfielder, growing pains almost forced Jack out of football, but he was determined to find a position that worked for him – that position was in goal.
“I had growing pains,” Jack said. “I couldn’t really run anymore, but I wanted to keep playing football, so I was like: ‘Let me try in goal.’
“I had nine or 10 games in goal and got scouted, had a bit of help from Johnny Knight and Matt Chibambo. Then I came in, did well at the start of the trial, and then Covid hit. But I came back and was signed.”
Signing as a 12-year-old, it would only take four years for Jack to make his senior debut, when he became the youngest starter in our entire history as he was named in our line-up against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round last September.
Jack will never forget the night he lined up alongside first team regulars as we claimed a 5-1 victory in front of our supporters.
Recalling that special evening in N5 in September 2024, he said: "At first it was like: ‘wow, I'm actually going to be playing in front of 60,000 at the Emirates.’ But once you get five minutes into that game, you're absolutely fine.
"It was special because hearing fans wanting to help you and singing your name, it's a surreal feeling. It's probably one of the best feelings you can ever get. It allows you to be yourself and play freely, knowing that everyone wants you to succeed and wants you to be a history maker.
“It was very surreal because watching all of them on TV, the likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, for years and years, and then you're sharing the same pitch with them. It's just very special.”
Jack is now aiming to kick on following that special moment last season, and believes this is the best place for him to become the best version of himself.
He said: “The people around the club are great with helping you with on and off the pitch issues and just helping you improve every day as a person and as a player.
“I want to play as much football as possible [in 2025/26], to be in and around England set-ups, to be playing whatever age group, 18, 21s, and, if the opportunity comes, first team.”
