Young Gun: Louie Copley

Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at Sobha Realty Training Centre.

Louie Copley spoke to us recently, and here's what he had to say about battling back from injury and kicking on in 2025.

Pre-season went really well! I had the chance to travel to Slovakia with the under-21s, which was an incredible experience. I felt ready and excited for the season ahead. Unfortunately, in our first league game against West Ham, I tore my hamstring, which sidelined me for two months – not ideal, especially in such a crucial year for me as a second-year scholar. With professional contract decisions looming, the injury hit me hard. 

When I got the scan results confirming the tear, it was tough to process. But I focused on my rehab, worked closely with the physio team and managed to return two weeks ahead of schedule, which was a great boost. During recovery, I really dialled in on my diet and became more cautious about what I ate, which helped me bounce back stronger. 

Since my return I feel like I’ve been improving steadily with each game. Towards the end of 2024 I started seeing the results, particularly with my goal output. Scoring against Monaco in the Youth League and Hertford in the FA Youth Cup were big moments for me. Finishing is an area I’ve been working hard on, often staying behind after training for extra sessions, so it’s great to see that effort paying off.

The Youth League has been a fantastic experience, despite some disappointing results. The teams have such diverse playing styles, tactics and fluid formations, which really challenged us to adapt. It’s brilliant for our development. Plus, playing alongside some of the older players helps us gel more as a squad, which benefits everyone. 

Our FA Youth Cup game against Hertford Town was crazy! The atmosphere was intense, and their fans really acted as a 12th man for them. It was definitely a challenge, but it was also a valuable learning curve. Not many of us had played in front of such a crowd before, so we took a lot away from it and it was also fantastic to get on the scoresheet too. One of our main goals this season is to win the FA Youth Cup. It’s such an important competition for the club, and we’d love to be remembered as the squad that brought it home. But we’re taking it one game at a time. 

The transition from Jack Wilshere to Adam Birchall has been seamless. Adam has stepped in brilliantly since Jack Wilshere left. Personally, I’ve known him since I was in the under-14s, and many of the other lads have known him even longer. He was also the assistant coach when Jack was here so we’re familiar with his coaching style and understanding of us as players have made the transition smooth, and our development under him has been great.

"Declan Rice has inspired me, I see similarities in us as box-to-box midfielders!"

Training with the first team has been amazing. Their professionalism and the way they carry themselves are things we can all learn from. Declan Rice has particularly inspired me. I see similarities between us as box-to-box midfielders. His work rate, ability to attack and defend, and quality on the ball are all things I admire. It’s a great environment to grow in. 

My personal goals for 2025 are that I’d love to go far in the FA Youth Cup – ideally, far enough to have a home tie and play at the Emirates. That would be a dream come true. I’m also pushing to get more minutes with the under-21s. I’ve been on the bench a few times, but making my Premier League 2 debut is a big target for me this season. 

Outside of football, I’m a big fan of tennis, especially during Wimbledon – I watch it every year without fail. I’m also really into darts. I love watching the Premier League Darts and follow most of the matches. Whether I’m any good at playing is another story! If the under-18s had a darts match I think I’d do well, although Dan Casey says he’s decent too. One thing’s for sure – Bless Akolbire, my digs mate, has no chance!