Philosophy & Coaches

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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:

Lifelong Learners

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”.

Lifelong Learners

Champion Mentality

Strong Young Gunner Model

Learn more

eFFeCtIve teAm plAyer

Technical and tactical solutions

lIFelong leArner

Adopt a learning mindset to seek consistent and continuous improvement

efficient mover

Ability to move well and sustain throughout

CHAmpIon mentAlIty

seize each moment to maximise your potential

Coaches

All successful Arsenal Football Development coaches undergo internal Club training, which gives them the knowledge and understanding of implementing the Arsenal Football Development Philosophy and teaching the Arsenal Way.

The coaches' training continues with the Club as they participate in continuous professional development events, improving their skills at conducting sessions and developing youth players’ talents in The Arsenal Way.

Training Programme

Arsenal Football Development’s training programme is derived from the official Arsenal Youth Academy at Hale End and is designed to give players an understanding of what it takes to play for Arsenal.

SYG Model Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5
Session Type Strong Young Gunner Session Game Day
Effective Team Player Possession Principles:
Passing & Receiving		 Ball Mastery,
Dribbling & 1v1s		 Transitions:
Counter Press & Counterattack		 Create & Finish the Attack:
Decision Making & Ball Striking		 Game Day
Efficient Mover Balance
Coordination
CV Endurance		 Agility
Speed
Balance
Sprint Repeatability		 Footwork
Agility
Speed
Balance
Sprint Repeatability		 Agility
Speed
Coordination
CV Endurance		 Functional Movement
Lifelong Learner Growth Mindset
Self-Reflection
Learning how to be a Team Player
Champion Mentality Every Choice, Behaviour & Day Matters

Timetable

Time Activity
8:30am – 9:00am Arrival
9:00am Morning Session / Technical Session
11:30am Lunch
12:15pm Off-field Development – Classroom Session
1:00pm Afternoon Session / Game-based Session
2:45pm Arsenal Football Development Coaches Group Feedback
2:50pm Strong Young Gunner of the Day Ceremony
3:00pm Departure
Note: Example only and may vary. There will be breaks throughout the sessions which will be dictated by the Arsenal Football Development coaches and the physiotherapist.

FreQUently Asked QUestIons

  • • Yes, we are the Official Arsenal Football Camps run by the Football Development team.
    • Visit our Football Development page for more information on the department - https://www.arsenal.com/arsenal-football-development-1

  • Registrations follow a first-come, first-served basis. You must complete the registration form and pay in full online. Visit our website, select the location you want to attend, and follow the links. The system will automatically send a registration confirmation to your email address to confirm your registration.

  • The Arsenal Football Camp in Ireland focuses on children aged between 6 to 17. We welcome players of all abilities to participate in the camp.

  • During the Arsenal Football Camps, in addition to the traditional player programme, there is a special programme for goalkeepers. The specific goalkeeping course will be activated once a minimum of 10 participants are reached for each location: contact us for more information on the registration status!

    • 5 days of training with Official Arsenal Football Development Coaches

    • Coaching under the same successful methodology derived from the renowned Arsenal academy where players will learn to ‘Play the Arsenal Way’, develop holistically on and off the pitch and become Strong Young Gunners.

    • 45 minutes daily off field sessions to learn what it takes to become a Strong Young Gunner off the pitch and promote holistic development.

    • Annual Subscription to the Arsenal E-Academy.

    • One full Arsenal Football Development kit. Official Adidas shirt, shorts, and socks.

    • Additional kit can be purchased on request

    • Strong Young Gunner of the Day and Week Prizes to be won.

    • Arsenal Football Development certificate of completion and medal.

    • Access to a physiotherapist.

  • We will deliver uniform packages to players during camp check-in, which usually takes place on the Sunday before the camp starts.

  • If you would like to order an extra kit please email dokelly@arsenal.co.uk to purchase this

  • Official Arsenal Football Development Coaches from London will come exclusively to conduct the training sessions. Unlike many other camps, Arsenal Football Development coaches stay actively involved with the club throughout the year. All successful coaches undergo internal club training, which gives them the knowledge and understanding of implementing the Arsenal Football Development Philosophy and coaching the Arsenal Way. The coaches’ training continues with the club as they participate in continuous professional development events, improving their skills at conducting sessions and developing youth players’ talents in The Arsenal Way.

  • 1 coach for every 10-12 players

  • We separate all participants by age. During the first day or two, Arsenal Football Development coaches evaluate each participant and move them to a team that better matches their skill level.

  • If bad weather occurs during the camp, we will ask all campers to leave the field and go to the designated shelter area. If we must cancel the camp after it has started, we will ask you to pick up your player. We will not issue refunds if the camp is interrupted or cancelled due to reasons beyond our control, such as bad weather.

  • Artificial turf but this can change if there is a facility change.

    • Parents can visit during training sessions as long as they do not interfere in the process of the program. We designate areas where parents are allowed to stay.

    • We advise that guardians should only come to watch the sessions on the first morning if they want to make sure their child is okay and also on the last day after lunch and for the closing ceremony.

    • During the week, it's important for the children to learn, play, and grow on their own. When parents aren't watching, kids often feel more confident to try new things and focus better during sessions.

    • If a guardian raises a concern, they should first speak with the camp director. If needed, the camp coordinator can then escalate the matter to the Arsenal head coach.

  • The camp does not include lunch. All participants must bring their own lunch in an adequate lunch box (No nut-based food)

  • Lunch break is daily from 11:30am – 12:30pm.

    • Arsenal Football Development kit

    • Football boots and runners

    • Shin guards

    • Packed lunch (No nut-based food)

    • Water bottle

    • We also highly recommend that players bring a healthy snack, and isotonic drinks such as Powerade or Lucozade.

  • Injuries are unfortunately a part of contact and collision sports. A fully qualified professional will always be on site to access the injury and treat them accordingly.

    • If you choose to cancel your registration, we must receive written notice of said cancellation either via e-mail sent to dokelly@arsenal.co.uk (with confirmation of receipt from us), and you shall be subject to the following cancellation fee:

    • If we receive notice prior 60 days of the camp date, the organization will retain €99 as a compensation for the registration expenses.

    • If we receive a written notice between 60-30 days of the camp date, the organization will retain 50% of the payment fee paid.

    • A licensed athletic trainer will be available to attend to the participants in the event of an injury or any other medical issues

    • It is mandatory for all campers to have their own medical coverage. Arsenal Football Camps Ireland offers additional coverage that supplements your existing insurance policy (it does not cover deductibles) after your insurance has been utilized. Parents are accountable for all expenses related to medical attention and treatment, with the exception of those covered by the camp’s supplementary medical coverage policy.

  • TBC