The new academy season is drawing ever closer and defender Sam Chapman will be aware that the upcoming campaign will be hugely important as far as his overall development is concerned.
Chapman, a 17 year old centre-back, endured an injury-disrupted start to the season after signing scholarship terms last summer.
However, as the season wore on the Hale End product became increasingly involved and ended up making ten appearances for Arsenal at U18 level.
Furthermore, he was named on the bench for the U21s, the U19s and in the FA Youth Cup.
A player who reads the game well, Chapman will now be one of the more experienced members of the U18 squad. With Will Sweet set to step up to the U21s on a full-time basis, Chapman could have a prominent part to play for Adam Birchall’s team and he will be determined to seize any opportunities that he is afforded.
Chapman is entering the final year of his scholarship contract, with a decision to be made before next summer regarding whether he will be offered an extended stay at the club.
It is hoped that Chapman could also feature for the U21s and U19s at some stage if he progresses well. His main aim, however, will be to show consistency at U18 level and he will also perhaps be looking to become a leader in the team.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird