Young Gun: Myles Lewis-Skelly

Throughout the season, we'll be catching up with our young Gunners to find out more about their route to our academy. This week, Myles Lewis-Skelly discusses getting his scholarship, his mum's podcast and FA Youth Cup success.

I first joined the academy at under-9s level, after I had trialled at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Since then I’ve been patient, keeping my head down and working. I don’t think there have been significant downs throughout my journey because I don’t see anything as downs – I just see them as learning opportunities. 

Before I joined Arsenal, I knew Ethan Nwaneri because we were at Chelsea together and we’ve kind of gone up the ranks together. I’ve definitely become close to Josh Nichols as well since I joined the club. 

When I was offered a scholarship it was an amazing experience, especially to be offered it early. It was a dream come true. Lots of boys in the world would love that so I couldn’t ask for anything more really. My family were elated! So glad – but they knew that this is where the hard work starts and I’ve got to push on now. 

I’ve always been an Arsenal supporter. My family weren’t too into football but as soon as I started playing they’ve just been taking it on as Arsenal supporters through and through.

My mum does a podcast to help parents in the industry who don’t have as much support from other clubs, just to help them through the journey. We’re the players but our parents have a big role to play as well. They’re ultimately our number one fans so if they get help on their journey then they can support each other as well. 

The highlight of my time here is the FA Youth Cup semi-final against Manchester City last season at the Emirates. It was one of my greatest moments ever playing. Words can’t describe the feeling of scoring that goal after all the hard work that I put in for that one moment. I made a late run into the box in extra time. Even when I don’t believe or the team are tired, I always keep going.

"There's so much I can learn from Declan Rice"

My best position is either a No6 or No8. I’m not too sure yet but I’m just continuing to try my best to master both. Whatever it takes, I’m ready to play in the 6 or 8 role. I wouldn’t say I model my game on anyone because I’m my own player, but I look up to players and try to implement bits into my game. There’s so much learning I can take from Declan Rice for example. Every time I look at him I’m watching him and looking to see how he’s at the top of his game. What he’s good at, I can use it in my game and try to reach the top. 

For me personally it’s not that hard to keep my feet on the ground because I know the level that I want to reach. I know it’s an every day process of getting better. To reach the top of my game and reach the best version of myself, every day I want to keep my head down and keep working and I know that it’s only the start. If I keep doing that, I think the sky is the limit.

Seeing the likes of Bukayo, Eddie, Emile and Reiss coming through the Academy makes me even more determined and more able to believe in myself that it’s possible. 

This season I’d like to break through to the first team so I can go into next season competing and battling with the best, the likes of Declan and Martin Odegaard. That’s where I want to take it.