Our Young Gun series returns for 2024/25 as we get to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at Sobha Realty Training Centre.
Forward Ceadach O'Neill spoke to us for the Bolton Wanderers matchday programme, and here's what he had to say about growing up in Ireland watching Arsenal, playing gaelic football and representing his country.
I grew up in a small town called Kilrea in County Derry, where everyone knows each other. As a kid, I played a lot of Irish sports, but I also watched a lot of football on TV. I’ve always been a huge Arsenal fan, and growing up I loved watching players like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
My football journey started when my dad took me to play when I was six just to see if I’d enjoy it. I did – and I turned out to be pretty good at it, so I stuck with it. At the same time I was also playing Gaelic football from the same age until I was about 14. Playing Gaelic football really helped me with my power and agility, which translated well onto the football pitch.
My first club was Ballymoney United, which was about a 15-minute drive from my home. But I was scouted by Linfield after playing a game for Dungannon Swifts against them, when they needed a player. Linfield invited me to train with them, and eventually asked me to sign when I was 11. It was a big jump from Ballymoney, but I enjoyed the step up and made some great friends there. I’ve also had the honour of representing Northern Ireland internationally, which is a massive source of pride for me and my family.
"Hearing the crowd cheer me on made me even more determined to push on in my career"
I made my professional debut at 15 and it was unreal, playing in front of a crowd at Windsor Park in the National Stadium. I was nervous beforehand, but it was such an amazing experience. That moment, hearing the crowd cheer me on, made me even more determined to push on in my career. Having my mum, dad and little sister there made it very special.
Before joining Arsenal, I went on trial at Southampton and Liverpool when I was around 14. A year later I played in the Victory Shield, where some Arsenal scouts were watching. A few months after that they invited me for a week’s trial. I played two games for the Under-16s against Manchester United and Chelsea, and I performed well. A month later, I found out they wanted to sign me and offered me a scholarship and I was delighted.
Coming over to England was a bit scary at first, moving to a whole new country. But I’ve settled in well. I enjoy the digs I’m staying in, and the players have been really welcoming. My mum and little sister came over to visit during the summer, which was really nice. When I arrived at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, it didn’t feel too daunting because I had already been there during my trial the previous year.
I’ve started the season really well! Scoring two goals on my Under-18s debut against West Ham was the perfect way to kick off my Arsenal journey. It had been a long time coming too since I was offered the scholarship back in March, so I was just buzzing to help the team win. I’ve also had the chance to train with the first team, which was an amazing experience. During the international break a lot of us from the Under-18s trained with the first-team players who didn’t go away. I was keeping a close eye on Raheem Sterling because he plays in the same position as me. Watching him train and seeing his level was really inspiring – he’s a top player.
This season I really want to improve my pressing and finishing, so I’m working hard on those. I’m also hoping we can win some silverware in the UEFA Youth League and the FA Youth Cup. Before I step out onto the field for each game I like to pray. Religion is really important to me – I’m Catholic so I pray every night, and it helps keep me focused and grounded.
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