_Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at the Sobha Realty Training Centre._
_Josiah King spoke to us recently about his journey with Arsenal so far, from battling injury at Hale End to relaxing with his teammates in Florida._
I grew up around Walthamstow, which was ideal because it was so close to Hale End. I started playing football aged six, mainly through my older brother, who used to play, and my dad, who would take me to the park.
Both of my parents are from Liberia, so football was always a big part of our family life. Growing up, I was a winger, and I really looked up to players like Neymar. What he could do with the ball was special.
The first team I played for was Globe Rangers, where I spent a couple of years and scored plenty of goals. I loved my time there.
Later on, a friend of my dad's told him about a 'showcase' type event, which I went to when I was about nine. From there, I was scouted and invited to a trial at Arsenal.
I was a bit nervous when I first went to Hale End for my trial. It ended up being extended because the coaches saw potential but wanted more time to assess my consistency. I stayed there for a while and eventually earned my place.
Some of my standout moments at Hale End include winning the under-16s Premier League Cup. We beat Chelsea in the final and I scored, which was an amazing way to finish my time there.
The pre-season trips were also brilliant; one that really stands out was our trip to Florida. The weather was great, the hotel was top quality, and the off-pitch activities made it a really memorable experience.
> "It meant a lot to me that the club showed belief in me despite my injury."
I was absolutely ecstatic when I found out I'd been offered a scholarship, especially as I was injured that season. I wasn't nervous going into the meeting, but you never fully know what to expect.
It meant a lot that the club showed belief in me despite my injury. I was in the meeting with my mum, and she was over the moon. Afterwards I went straight to tell my brother.
My first season as a scholar has been really positive. Going to Sobha isn't daunting because the club prepared us well. As under-16s, we went there regularly, every Tuesday, so it's now a very familiar environment.
I play mainly as a right back but I like to get forward a lot and can also operate on the right wing.
It's unfortunate that I'm currently injured, but rehab is going well. I've had this injury before so I know how to manage it and get myself back fit as quickly as possible.
I've also had the opportunity to train with the first team a couple of times which has been a great experience. The tempo is extremely high, and you have to be fully switched on at all times.
Training alongside some of the best players in the world is a massive learning experience and something I'm really grateful for.
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