Welcome to series focusing specifically on the schoolboys at Arsenal who are currently at Hale End – those in the U16s and below. The academy is based in E17, Walthamstow. The 15th article is on Rafe Dowling.
Despite technically being an U14 player, highly rated goalkeeper Dowling has already had some involvement at much higher levels.
Earlier this season Dowling was named as the extra man as Arsenal U19s played Bayern Munich at home in the UEFA Youth League.
Although he wasn’t officially part of the matchday squad it was still an excellent experience for Dowling, who was able to see what a matchday at that level is like.
The goalkeeper has been making encouraging progress at Hale End and is known for his excellent distribution and fine reflexes.
Dowling has been at the club for several years and will be targeting callups at U16 and eventually U18 level in the near future, although he won’t be eligible for a scholarship contract until the 2028/29 season.
Previous articles:
Noah Laditan
Elyon Mbala
Charlie Purdy
Jayden Oba
Hakeem Abubakar
Theo Odaji-Ukueku
Jaden Maghoma
Luis Munoz
Mikael Bonaventure Yetna
Mishel Nduka
Angelinou Pedro
Charlie Phillips
Joshua Sesay
Emerson Nwaneri