Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
Jack Talbot spoke to us recently about his love of goalkeeping, his experience of coming through the age groups with Brando Bailey-Joseph and Teshaun Murisa, and tasting success at the under-16s level.
I grew up in Abridge in Essex and got into football through my dad. I was about three years old when I started playing for my local club, Buckhurst Hill. My dad was the coach so I was almost forced into goal at first, but I actually really enjoyed it.
When I was six I got scouted by both Arsenal and West Ham at a tournament at Leyton Orient's ground. At that age I was allowed to play for both clubs, so between the ages of six and nine I was with Arsenal and West Ham.
When I turned nine, I had to choose one and I picked Arsenal. I enjoyed the training more there and the goalkeepers were far more involved.
At that age I still liked playing outfield and they would even let me step out for the last ten minutes of some sessions, which I loved.
I’ve been at Arsenal for a long time now. Teshaun Murisa, Brando Bailey-Joseph and I all joined together from the pre-academy at under-6s, so it’s special that all three of us are still here.
We’ve been together since the age of six, coming through Hale End and now being at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. When you think about it, it’s pretty crazy.
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Young Gun: Brando Bailey-Joseph](http://www.arsenal.com/news/young-gun-brando-bailey-joseph?utm_source=arsenaldotcom&utm_medium=embedded-article&utm_campaign=news)
Some of my best memories from the Hale End days come from the weekend Premier League tournaments. Staying in hotels with your mates and playing football all weekend was amazing, and we made so many great memories.
Another special moment was winning the Premier League Cup final against Chelsea. We’d struggled against them before, so beating them in the final made it even sweeter.
"Training with the first team has also been an amazing experience. The first time I trained with them, the standards really blew me away."
Getting my scholarship was an incredible feeling. I felt like I’d done enough to earn it. I’d gone on the under-18s pre-season tour when I was 16, so I was fairly confident going into the meeting.
When I sat down with Per and he told me the decision had been made based on that tour, it was a massive relief when it was finally confirmed.
Being at Sobha now and living the life of a full-time footballer is great – it’s definitely better than school! Training with the first team has also been an amazing experience.
The first time I trained with them, the standards really blew me away. Watching David Raya and Kepa pull off incredible saves showed me exactly what it takes to reach the top level. When it was my turn, it was a real reality check. Having players like Madueke, Saka and Gyokeres shooting against you is tough, and at first I couldn’t get near them.
My goal for the rest of the season is to play more games for the under-18s now that I’m fully recovered from injury, and to keep pushing on.
Hopefully, that leads to opportunities with the under-21s as well. Long term, my aim is to be part of a first-team squad.
We’ve seen players like Jack Porter get first-team opportunities in the past, so I know I have to stay ready at all times because you never know when that call might come.
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