Arsenal Way

Lore & Background

Arsenal's Academy is one of England's most successful, winning seven FA Youth Cups together with six Premier Academy League titles altogether. Numerous international players have graduated from the academy and reserve teams. The reserve side dates back to 1887, when Arsenal were based in Plumstead as Royal Arsenal F.C. The reserves have competed in various leagues including the Kent League, London League, West Kent League, South Eastern League, Football Combination, Premier Reserve League, and Professional Development League. In 2012–13 the reserve team was replaced by an Under-21 team. The academy (previously youth) has operated since at least 1893–94, with an 'A' team for young players from 1929 to 1969. The youth team became founder members of the FA Premier Youth League in 1997–98.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed over Highbury as the crowd held its breath. It wasn't just about securing three points tonight; it was about the manner of their arrival. A young midfielder, trapped in deep trouble near his own box, didn't panic. He looked up, spotted a gap no one else saw, and played a one-touch pass that sliced through the defense like a hot knife through butter. The North Bank erupted not merely because of the resulting goal, but because of that single, perfect touch. In that split second, the abstract 'Arsenal Way' became tangible reality.

Reader's Guide

Arsenal Under-21s, previously referred to as the Reserves, is the highest level squad within the setup. They train at the Arsenal Training Centre and play the majority of their home games at Meadow Park, which is the home of Boreham Wood FC. On occasion they also play at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Senior players occasionally play in the reserve side, as in the case when they are recovering from injury. The academy teams play in the Professional Development League.

Did You Know?

• Arsenal's reserve side was first set up in 1887, when the club was still known as Royal Arsenal.
• The reserves won the Kent Junior Cup in 1889–90.
• From 1934 to 1938, Arsenal used Margate as a nursery team, sending promising youngsters there for experience.
• The 'A' team for young players existed from 1929 to 1969, competing in leagues such as the Eastern Counties League and Metropolitan League.
• Andries Jonker was appointed head of academy on 1 July 2014 and left in 2017 to join VfL Wolfsburg.