Arsenal welcomes new first-year scholars

Arsenal’s new first-year scholars followed in the footsteps of Alex Iwobi and Chuba Akpom by receiving a welcome a tour of London Colney and Emirates Stadium.

Nine out of the 10 youngsters graduated from Hale End academy, and were shown the state-of-the-art facilitates at their new base by under-18s coach Kwame Ampadu.

The talented teenagers then took part in their first training session at London Colney, before they were given a taste of what senior football has to offer with a visit to Emirates Stadium.

first-year scholars

Jay Beckford

Jay is a skilful right winger, who joined the academy from Leyton Orient in February.



Josh Benson

Central midfielder Josh made his breakthrough into the under-18s last season, and has made four appearances for the academy side.



Robert Burton

A technically-gifted midfielder, Robert made his Arsenal Under-18 debut last season and has represented Wales at under-17 level.



Reiss Nelson

Talented winger Reiss has already represented the Gunners at under-21 level. He helped the under-18s to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals last term, as well as representing the club in the Uefa Youth League. Reiss is an England Under-17 international.



Joseph Olowu

Athletic defender Joseph was a regular for the under-16s last term, and will be hoping to establish himself with the under-18s in 2016/17.



Tobi Omole

Tobi is a powerful centre back, capable of playing the ball out from the back. He gained experience with the under-18s last term, making three appearances.



Emile Smith Rowe

England Under-15 international Emile is a promising winger, who impressed for the Arsenal Under-16s last season. He earned two substitute outings for the under-18s in 2015/16.



Dominic Thompson

Consistent full back Dominic was a mainstay of the under-16 team last term, and will be looking to take that form into the new season.



Nathan Tormey

Skilful winger Nathan's impressive performances for the under-16s earned him three outings for the under-18s last season. He was also part of the under-17 side that won the ABN AMRO Future Cup in Amsterdam in March.



Joao Virginia

Joao is a highly-rated young goalkeeper, and a Portugal youth international. He helped Arsenal to victory in the under-17 ABN AMRO Future Cup last season, making three penalty saves in the shoot-out victory against Anderlecht in the final.

First Year Scholars