Arsenal programme helps young fans rebuild confidence

Two young Arsenal supporters, Adam and James, have spoken about the positive impact of the club's Talking Tactics mentoring programme, which is run by Arsenal in the Community to support young people's mental health and wellbeing.

Adam joined the programme while struggling to leave his home or attend school. He said the Arsenal Hub environment made a significant difference to how comfortable he felt accessing support.

"CAMHS felt more like a hospital environment, but the Hub had fun and football going on, and fun colours rather than dull colours, which played a part in how I viewed it," Adam said.

Through regular sessions with mentor Gemma, Adam worked on emotional literacy, confidence, and social skills. By the end of the programme, he was attending school on a full timetable and had begun going out independently.

"One thing I enjoyed most was achieving my goals because I felt more relief and it made me more confident because I know I can do it," Adam reflected.

James joined Talking Tactics following a recent ADHD diagnosis, seeking help managing distractions and frustration. Weekly sessions at the Arsenal Hub included board games, card games, and football-based activities designed to support goal-setting and focus.

"Our sessions took place at the Arsenal Hub. It was very nice and calm, we sometimes played football. I liked coming and doing them outside the Arsenal stadium," James said.

James also attended Arsenal's match against Leeds United on World Mental Health Day as part of his programme experience. One of his long-term goals is to improve his school grades.

"I got on very well with my mentor, because she's kind and we had fun in sessions," he added.

The Talking Tactics programme is coordinated by Gemma Benham, who can be contacted at gbenham@arsenal.co.uk for further information.