Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
Archie Stevens spoke to us recently about starting out at Fulham, his big move to Rangers and what it meant to him to sign for The Arsenal.
I grew up in Ashtead, Surrey, and I've been playing football for as long as I can remember. My journey into the game is quite a unique one because I was actually scouted at a football-themed birthday party when I was just five.
The coach running the party worked at Fulham, and from that moment, I started training with them before officially joining the academy aged eight. From a young age, I just loved playing football. I didn't really understand how big it was to be in an academy - I just loved the game.
I was at Fulham for about six or seven years before being released at the age of 12. That was a tough moment because it knocked my confidence a bit as Fulham was all I had known for so long.
But soon after, I joined AFC Wimbledon. I spent around three seasons there, from ages 13 to 16. At 16, I made a big move to Rangers, which was massive for me. It was a big step up from Wimbledon, but I embraced the challenge and loved every minute of it.
Gio van Bronckhorst was the manager then, and he gave me my debut, which I'll always be grateful for. Unfortunately, I picked up an injury soon after and was out for about six months. It came at a bad time, but I recovered well and managed to train with the first team.
I also went out on loan to Dunfermline, which was another great experience. Playing men's football helped my development massively. It was a big step physically and mentally, but it made me stronger.
After leaving Rangers in the summer, I had conversations with Arsenal, and things moved quickly from there. I came in for a two-week trial in July, which got extended for another week, and I travelled with the squad to Monaco for pre-season.
I managed to score during the tour, and that helped me earn my contract. Signing for Arsenal was a huge moment for me; it's such a massive club, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.
"So far, I've really enjoyed my time here. I haven't been at the club long, but my focus is just on contributing as much as I can."
Before joining, I already knew a few of the lads. Charles Sagoe Jr from my time at Fulham, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Tommy Setford from the England under-17 World Cup squad in 2023.
That made it easier to settle in, but honestly, everyone's been great. It's a top group, and I've fitted in well.
So far, I'm really enjoying my time here. I haven't been at the club long, but my focus is just on contributing as much as I can, helping the team with goals, assists and strong performances.
My main aim this season is to play as many games as possible and keep developing every day.
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Archie Stevens signs professional contract](https://www.arsenal.com/news/archie-stevens-signs-professional-contract?utm_source=arsenaldotcom&utm_medium=embedded-article&utm_campaign=news)
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