Foundations & Early History
Arsenal as a club was originally founded in 1886 under the name Dial Square, before eventually going on to be called Royal Arsenal, Woolwich Arsenal and finally Arsenal.
The earliest records of there being a Reserve team was in 1893, but it wasn’t until 1929 when a organised side was formed. It was known as ‘Arsenal A’, and the outfit ran well into the 1969 season before it was finally recognised as the Reserve team.
In 1954 the club formally adopted their own youth team, and entered it to the South Eastern Counties League. They also entered the same team into the F.A Youth Cup the same year.
Youth football didn’t really become recognised until 1997, when the Gunners were one of the founding members of FA Premier Youth League. It was just a single division back then.
Current Setup
Arsenal currently have two main youth sides. The Reserve team, coached by Neil Banfield, is entered into the F.A Premier Reserves League. This is split into two sections, a North side and a Southern side – Arsenal operate in the latter. They play their home games at Barnet’s Underhill stadium.
The Under 18 team, coached by Steve Bould, currently takes part in the F.A Premier Youth Academy League. There is four groups of teams, with each group winner taking place in the play-offs to decide an overall winner at the end of the season. They play at the club’s Colney training centre.
The Under 16’s and lower level sides do not have recognised Leagues, but play every weekend. They play their home games at the Hale End Academy.
Scouting & Contracts
Arsenal have a vast scouting network, with scouts working all over the London areas and abroad. Due to F.A rules, players can only be signed Under the age of 16 if they live within a certain radius of the training ground. These rules can be bent if the players family are prepared to move.
Prospects are normally scouted playing for their local school sides, and following a trial, they are inducted to the Academy, training at Hale End every evening.
They are on a school boy contract, until they turn 16, when scholarship terms are offered. They receive a small training allowance at this age, and still continue their school work, but this is all taught at Hale End. Professional forms can only be signed once the player turns 17.
Overseas players are often drafted in, but only when the coaching staff feel the player is of exceptional talent, and there is no home grown players who can fill the position.
Young players who wish to sign for Arsenal cannot approach the club, you must wait for a scout representing the club to contact you.
Management & Coaching Staff
Liam Brady – Head of Youth Development & Academy Director
David Court – Assistant Head of Youth Development
Roy Massey – Assistant Academy Manager
Neil Banfield – Reserve Team Coach
Steve Bould – Under 18’s Coach
Steve Gatting – Under 16’s Coach
Carl Laraman – Under 9’s – Under 13’s Coach
Steve Leonard – Under 14’s – Under 16’s Coach
Tony Roberts – Academy Goalkeeping Coach
Jon Cooke – Youth Team Physiotherapist
Craig Gant – Youth Fitness Coach
Dennis Rockall – Kit Manager
Trophies
You can find a complete list of Trophies and Awards here.
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