_Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at the Sobha Realty Training Centre._
_Ceadach O’Neill spoke to us recently, and after a blistering start to the season, the Northern Ireland forward is enjoying life as a Gunner._
I feel like my season has started really well. I scored five goals in our first three games and I’ve definitely hit the ground running. Moving to London has been a big change, but I’ve really enjoyed it.
Growing up in Ireland was much quieter, so life here feels completely different but I like the new lifestyle and the chance to throw myself fully into full-time football. Outside of football, I’ve been playing a lot of golf. I went a few times in the off-season. I wouldn’t say I’m the best, but I’m definitely not far off!
I still keep up with Gaelic football as well. My club has been competing in the championship recently, and my cousin plays, so I’ve been following that closely. I also support Derry County, so I was keeping up with their results over the Summer. Whenever I was back home, I went to watch my local club, especially since my younger brother still plays and my dad coaches one of the U14s teams in Kilrea.
On the pitch, I think I’ve developed a lot. I’ve improved technically, and my understanding of the game has grown massively. Getting called up to the Northern Ireland U21s has been a huge moment for me - especially since I’m still only 17.
I’ve got a good relationship with the coach, Tommy Wright. Having my roommate Braiden Graham there as well, who’s also my age and plays for Everton, has made it even better. Everyone has been really welcoming and I’m enjoying every minute of it.
Looking back at my first season with Arsenal, I thought it was a strong one for me. The team did well, even if we were a bit unlucky in the league. We had a good FA Youth Cup run, I played a lot of games, and gained valuable minutes.
One of the standout moments was playing at the Emirates in the Youth Cup in January. The whole day was surreal - from having breakfast with the team, to arriving early at the stadium, walking out onto the pitch, and just taking it all in. I had six family members there, which made it even more memorable.
> "It's something you dream about as a kid and I feel blessed to be living it now."
Signing my first professional contract in April was a really proud moment - especially with all my family there, including my Grandad. He hadn’t been over much in recent years, but he came to a lot of my games growing up, so having him there made it extra special. It’s something you dream about as a kid and I feel blessed to be living it now.
This season has started well for me personally, with five goals in three games. I’ve been playing up front, which I enjoy, but I’m comfortable anywhere. For Northern Ireland, I often play in midfield, last season at Arsenal, I played on the wing and now I’m getting games as a striker. Playing in different positions is part of modern football and I’m happy to adapt wherever the manager needs me.
Making my U21s debut for Arsenal a few weeks ago was another big milestone. The jump from U18s is clear - it’s a lot more physical - but it’s the level I want to keep testing myself at. My goals for this season are to score as many as I can, ideally pushing towards 2- goals, to keep training around the first team, and if I keep progressing, maybe even make my senior debut.
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