Weeks of meticulous planning, rehearsing and training was finally put into practice at Arsenal’s London Colney training centre on Thursday afternoon. No it wasn’t a new set piece routine or anything footballing, it was the club’s official Christmas lunch, with entertainment being provided by the newly signed scholars.
In a tradition going back years, Arsenal’s all singing all dancing starlets interrupted the eating of turkey, gravy and the trimmings to deliver their own bit of Christmas cheer – their own rendition of the festive hit – jingle bells. Thirteen of the most exciting youngsters in the country belted out the classic in front of the likes of Andrey Arshavin, Cesc Fabregas, William Gallas and of course chief Arsène Wenger.
The verdict was clear. The voices, which included Benik Afobe, Chuks Aneke, George Brislen-Hall, Sean McDermott, Jernade Meade, Jamie Edge, Danny Boateng, Luke Freeman, Oguzhan Ozyakup, Sead Hajrovic and Ignasi Miquel, we’re good enough to match those who have followed them. Including Nicklas Bendtner, Kieran Gibbs, Ashley Cole and club captain Cesc Fabregas.
Tradition is something which is often lost in football, but certainly not at Arsenal.
Article By – J.Sanderson
I remember seeing this back in the day. Back then they did it outdoors and the young players lined up to sing one by one. They looked terrified. I remember Ian Wright had buckets of icy water; if the singing wasn’t up to scratch then the kid got soaked. George Graham looked on with this demented smile on his face.
Nowadays it looks a bit more civil.
who’s the lad in the middle, on freeman’s right? and is he wearing a hoodie with arshavin’s name on it? lol!
Hahaha that sounds pure evil!
mampers – That’s Jamie Edge.
Franklin and marshall not arshavin
its arshavin design brand LOL i bet afobe was the lead singer :)
It is great to know these kind of inside knowledge about our club. It makes me a little bit jealous of the guys who grew up in the neighborhood.
And thanks OneofUs for sharing your memory.
Hahaha – I know i’d be at the back hiding away with Benik and them if i had to endure this.
OneOfUs – How do you know that?
J shouldnt you have linked to the article you got this from?? Not trying to cause trouble but it was a good read. Had interviews with bould and evina 2
Luke Freemans seems a very civilised and grounded person. Good!
can anyone please mention name all the players in picture from left to right
Bottom row: george brislen-hall, luke freeman, jamie edge and the furthest to the right is Sean McDermott.
top row: can’t see the first one but then it’s Miguel, Afobe, then you can barely see Ozyakup, then Aneke
Haha, There’s a few of them hiding their faces behind the paper :D
Who’s the tiny guy behind Jamie Edge?
i think that might be jeramine meade, not too sure tho
then who is behind brislen hall
i only say it was meade because he is only 5ft3″
teddy bear can you link the article? cheers.
thanks@stone
guy next to edge is harjovic
Just been watching some of the youth highlights and that Jearnade Meade looks likea a good player, he seems quick skilful and puts in a shift defensively. Is he an out and out winger as thats what ive got the impression he is?
some great stuff on the academy in the daily mail
What article was this based on then? I would like to read it.
In all respect I am sorry to ask again J…I have been asking this two times when on topic but never got an answer, so asking off topic. What is the status of Luis Conte? You reported him signed in December, and I asked you two times when the subject was relevant what his status is. Will he be staying with his domestic club in Brazil until he is old enough, or you have no knowledge about this?
sebjob,he doesn’t know
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1237044/Arsene-Wenger-Can-new-breed-Arsenal-youngsters-fight-suffer-make-sacrifices-real-winners.html
There are a load of articles linked at the bottom!
J got the photo, so it’s his own journalism.
Who’s the guy to the left of Miquel? He must be very tall as well.
Is it Samir Bihmoutine?
no the photo is from the daily mail, so its not his own journalism
Who scored r goal so far
Can they sing? this is the 64 thousand dollar question. Was it good/ or ear spilting sound? This is cool. I love it. http://bobbygee.wordpress.com/