Being thrust into unfamiliar surroundings can often feel like an uphill battle. Emmanuel – navigating his return to the UK from Ghana – once felt confined to the constraints of his own four walls. But his world began to open up when he joined the Training Ground Programme through Arsenal in the Community, the official charitable arm of Arsenal.

Alongside feelings of isolation, Emmanuel had long dreamed of becoming an engineer. Yet he had no prior work experience or familiarity with the UK job market and its systems. When he met representatives from Arsenal in the Community at a local job fair at West Library in Islington, Emmanuel spoke little about his anxieties for the future. Through the charity, however, his self-belief began to grow as new opportunities opened up.

When he first attended sessions at the Arsenal Hub, Emmanuel explored local college options and received support in applying for his National Insurance number. Over time, he took part in employability workshops, group sessions and job clubs, which gave him the tools to begin building his CV, understand how to search for work and practise completing job applications.

A key highlight for Emmanuel was learning about the Saturday Jobs Programme — a paid opportunity for young people to gain customer service experience at Chapel Market while selling Arsenal in the Community merchandise. The role excited him, offering the chance to step outside his comfort zone and develop real-world skills.

Emmanuel’s progress has been remarkable. He now attends group sessions with confidence, actively engages with other young people and feels a genuine sense of belonging within the Arsenal Hub community.

He said: “I truly feel a sense of belonging at Arsenal’s Community Hub. It has been a fantastic place to meet new friends and develop valuable skills as I prepare to start college in September. I’m also excited to begin my first ever job through Arsenal’s Saturday Jobs Programme, and I look forward to gaining real work experience.”

A representative from the charity added: “Emmanuel was a valued member of our cohort. He consistently challenged himself to stay engaged and took the initiative in motivating those around him. His positive attitude and constant smile brought a sense of joy and ease to our group sessions, helping to create a happy and stress-free environment for everyone.”

When he began his journey with the charity, Emmanuel was unfamiliar with basic job-seeking tools such as producing a CV or completing an application form. Through the Employability Programme, however, he has developed these practical skills and gained a better understanding of the UK job market.

Most notably, last summer he enrolled at Barnet and Southgate College to begin an engineering course after independently attending an open day.

For Emmanuel, the sessions provided more than just practical guidance. They also offered a supportive environment where he could gradually rebuild his confidence. Surrounded by other young people facing similar challenges, he began to feel less isolated and more motivated to take steps towards his goals. The encouragement he received from staff and peers alike helped him realise that opportunities were within reach.

How Arsenal in the Community helped Emmanuel find his path

How Arsenal in the Community helped Emmanuel find his path