Philosophy & Coaches
The Arsenal Football Development Philosophy
The Arsenal Football Development philosophy strives to develop the person as well as the player, encouraging all to be the best versions of themselves in everything they do. This philosophy and values are interlinked to the club’s success and history of nurturing young talent by placing an importance on life skills and developing the right character to create a platform to be successful not just in sport but in everyday life.
Our philosophy is built around our famous Hale End academy’s Strong Young Gunner model, with 4 distinct development areas:
1. Effective Team Players
2. Efficient Movers
3. Lifelong Learners
4. Champion Mentality
This is the same model utilised by our academy, led by Per Mertesacker. Our coaching team is trained to tailor the model to each audience we engage with. Our Strong Young Gunner model is used throughout the club to develop young people and players. We believe it leads to holistic development and ensures young people develop life skills as well as football skills.
Each session is delivered to develop players to become the best they can be and inspire a lifelong passion for the sport. Arsenal Football Development’s training programme is based on teaching young gunners the same techniques, skills and Game IQ our academy players learn at our official Arsenal Youth Academy at Hale End and is designed to give players an understanding of what it takes to play for Arsenal.
Players on our camps all over the world share the same experience, improving their skills in a positive and stimulating environment. This is a unique opportunity to develop and learn to “Play the Arsenal Way”.
Effective Team Player
Effective Team Player - Technical And Tactical Solutions
Players will learn how to improve their technical ability and tactical prowess which will be guided by the Arsenal Football Development coaches.
Players will be coached:
- Ball Mastery, Dribbling, 1v1
- Defending, Pressing
- Transitions - Counter Attacking and Counter Pressing
- Passing and Receiving Skills
- Creating Chances and Finishing
- General Decision Making and Ball Striking
Efficient Movers
Efficient Mover - Ability To Move Well And Sustain Throughout
Players will be trained on how to become an efficient mover which is being the best football specific athlete they can be. Football Fitness is all about creating athletes who are fine tuned to every demand of the modern game.
This consists of:
- Agility
- Speed
- Balance
- Footwork
- Coordination
- CV Endurance
- Sprint Repeatability
- Functional Movement
Lifelong Learner
Lifelong Learner - Adopt A Learning Mindset To Seek Consistent And Continuous Improvement
We will encourage players to adopt a lifelong learning ethos where they remain curious, eager to learn, and always find ways to develop themselves.
We want to develop the person as well as the player through:
- A Growth Mindset
- Self-Reflection
- Learning How To Be A Team Player
Champion Mentality
Champion Mentality – Seize Each Moment To Maximise Your Potential
Our coaches will educate players to be driven to improve, challenge, and win.
- Improve: Players that commit everything they have to improve.
- Challenge: People that seek out challenges and challenge those around them.
- Win: Players who understand what it takes to win by applying themselves like a champion before they have ever won a thing.
We want to produce football leaders on the pitch, in the dressing room, and in life. In doing so, we believe that every choice, behaviour, and day matters.
values
AUTHENTICITY
Encouraging players to stay true to themselves while growing on and off the pitch.
INCLUSIVITY
Creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported.
RESPECT
Building strong character through sportsmanship, discipline, and mutual understanding.
TEAMWORK
Teaching players the importance of collaboration, communication, and trust.
LIFELONG LEARNER
Developing curiosity, adaptability, and a continuous desire to improve.
