Young Guns – Arsenal Reserves & Youth News

Half Greek half Chinese midfielder Nicholas Yennaris has rescued his career from the brink after returning from 10 months out injured to win a scholarship with the club.

The hard working and energetic central midfielder, who can also play anywhere across the back-line, was stretchered off during the 2-2 draw with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in June 2008. There were fears that his injury could be career ending, but physios later decided he could continue playing.

There were reports that ‘Nico’ would be released, however, Liam Brady and Roy Massesy showed faith with the hard working starlet who captained the Gunners to the final of the Willem II tournament three summers ago. He also played a cameo role as Steve Gatting’s Under 16’s won the Atalanta Cup last summer and is one of the most popular members of the squad.

Yennaris is not only an incredibly likable guy, but his commitment to the cause is also remarkable despite the setbacks in his attempts to make a career for himself in football. He returned strongly towards the end of the 2008-2009 season and even made his debut for the Under 18′s. The Atalanta Cup then beckoned once more and Nico who was one of the senior members of Steve Gatting’sside. They failed to live up the side that won the year before, yet Yennaris did score during one of the group games.

Penning scholarship terms in the summer of 2009, he joined seven others in securing their development with Arsenal.

Name: Nicholas Yennaris
Nickname: ‘Nico’
Age: 16
Nationality: English
International: Under 16′s
Position: Central Midfield
Height: 170cm
Previous Clubs: None
Contract: Scholarship