Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
Louie Copley spoke to use recently about how a successful 2025 for him, as he signed a professional contract, featured in the first-team squad and scored at Emirates Stadium.
Pre-season started really well for me. I ended up travelling with the first team to both La Manga and Singapore for their pre-season camps, which all happened very quickly. I was not actually expecting to go.
The quality of training was unbelievable. Everyone was sharp, but Reiss Nelson really stood out. Gabriel was also top-level. Doing one-on-one drills against him was a real test, he is so strong and commanding.
When we arrived in Asia in the early hours of the morning, the supporters were already waiting outside the hotel. The Hong Kong fans in particular were incredible, all screaming and chanting. That's when it really hits you how big Arsenal is and what it means to so many people around the world.
Off the pitch it was great to spend time with the first-team players. At meals, the staff mixed the younger and older players together, which helped us get to know them better. To be fair, everyone was brilliant, just a top group of players.
It has been really inspiring this season seeing players like Myles Lewis-Skelly, Max Dowman and Andre Harriman-Annous get opportunities with the first team.
After the tour, I genuinely feel like I am getting closer and I was the extra man for the Carabao Cup game against Brighton, and on the bench for the Champions League match against Club Brugge; this is exactly where I want to be.
Even just being in the dressing room, hearing the manager speak, and watching you the players prepare for big games makes you hungry to get there - and stay there.
"I know how important it is to stay grounded; this is only the beginning."
Last season was a really good one for me. One of the highlights was playing in the FA Youth Cup at Emirates Stadium, a dream come true as a boyhood Arsenal fan. Obviously, I was gutted we lost the game, but personally it was an experience I will never forget.
This summer, signing my first professional contract was another massive moment. I found out the week before that FA Youth Cup game against Manchester United at the Emirates.
It felt like a huge weight off my shoulders, but at the same time, I know how important it is to stay grounded. This is only the beginning. I am nowhere near my final destination, but it is a really important step in my journey.
For the rest of the season, my main aim is to go out on loan and gain experience in men's football, which is crucial for my development.
Since giving this interview, Louie has signed a new professional contract with us and joined League Two side Crawley Town on loan for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season.
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Louie Copley joins Crawley Town on loan](https://www.arsenal.com/news/louie-copley-joins-crawley-town-loan?utm_source=arsenaldotcom&utm_medium=embedded-article&utm_campaign=news)
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