_Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at the Sobha Realty Training Centre._
_Louis Zecevic-John spoke to us recently about dealing with injuries, getting back among the goals and signing his first pro deal._
I felt my first year as a scholar went well overall. Pre-season was positive, I felt fit and healthy, and I was performing well. Unfortunately, I then picked up an injury, which was extremely frustrating.
But despite that setback, I still managed to average a goal or assist per game. I always set high standards for myself, so I was pleased to be able to maintain that level of contribution.
One of the biggest highlights was returning from injury and being part of our FA Youth Cup run. The standout moment was the dramatic 3-3 game against QPR, which we went on to win on penalties.
I stepped up and scored my penalty, which was a great feeling. I wasn't nervous because I always back myself in those moments, you have to believe you'll score and not second-guess yourself. Winning that game was definitely a huge moment for me.
The injuries towards the end of last season were particularly tough, as I missed the quarter-final against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium. That would have been an incredible experience to be part of.
I was buzzing for the team, but deep down I wished I was out there with my brothers. I'd suffered a long-term injury when I was younger, which helped prepare me mentally this time around. I now understand what to expect and how important it is to stay strong mentally.
It's difficult when football is what you love and do every day, and suddenly you're told you can't play, or even when you return, you're training alone and building back to full fitness.
This season started in a frustrating way as well, with an ankle injury in the first week, followed by a groin injury two weeks later. However, I'm glad to say I'm fully back now.
> "The first people I told were my grandparents. I brought them into a room and told them I'd been offered a deal and they were incredibly proud."
Coming off the bench against Tottenham under-18s was a great feeling, and starting against Mansfield in the FA Youth Cup, where we won 4-1, was another big moment. I was able to get on the scoresheet and register an assist, which made it even more satisfying.
A huge milestone over the summer was signing my first professional contract. Not many players get that opportunity, especially at a club like Arsenal. The first people I told were my grandparents.
I brought them into a room and told them I'd been offered a deal, and they were incredibly proud. I'm very close to them.
Seeing players like Jack Porter and Andre Harriman-Annous from my scholarship group go on to play for the first team is inspiring and shows that the pathway is there if I continue to perform and push myself.
Another big honour for me is representing Serbia at international level. I've been called up to the under-19s, although injuries have disrupted that journey so far.
It's still another step toward where I want to be. I'm full fluent in Serbian, which not many people know. When I was younger I lived next to my grandparents and the rule was strictly Serbian, no English, which is how I became fluent over time.
For the rest of the season, my focus is on staying fit and available as much as possible. I want to maintain a goal involvement per game, continue performing for the under-18s and push myself to earn opportunities with the under-21s.
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