Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at Sobha Realty Training Centre.
Seb Ferdinand spoke to us recently, and here's what he had to say about battling back from injury and kicking on in 2025.
I’m originally from St Albans, so I was already pretty close to the training ground. As a kid, I was always at the park, kicking a football with my friends, sneaking onto the astro, and playing local football. Growing up, I looked up to players like Cristiano Ronaldo for his mentality, ability, and the way he overcame adversity. Then there were players like Neymar and Eden Hazard, and in more recent times, I’ve admired Jadon Sancho too.
When I was about six, my dad was my coach for a team called London Colney Colts. A few players who have played or still play for Arsenal came through there too — Alexei Rojas, who’s still at Arsenal, Omari Benjamin, who’s now at Everton, and Josh Robinson, who’s at Wigan. There was a lot of talent in that team.
I spent a good amount of time at London Colney Colts and had plenty of trials when I was younger. When I was 13, I played in two trial games alongside other players hoping to earn academy opportunities. Walking into the dressing room, it was dead silent— we were all there trying to make it. But my dad told me to make the most of the opportunity, show no fear, and attack it head-on. Since then, I haven’t looked back.
Before that, though, I faced a lot of rejection. Clubs like Stevenage, Watford, Norwich, and Crystal Palace all turned me down, and while plenty of teams were watching me, it was tough hearing “no” so often. You just want to make it. But when Arsenal came in, I knew it was all part of God’s plan. I’m grateful to have joined at under-13s, even though that’s later than usual for academy football.
One of my standout memories from the Hale End days was a tournament we played in Florida. That was about a year after I’d joined, and it was an amazing experience. It was the first time I saw top talent from outside the UK, and that’s when I fully realised I was competing with some of the best young players in the world. It was an eye-opening moment.
"Playing in front of a crowd gives you that real understanding of the expectations that come with representing Arsenal"
Earning a scholarship a year early was another massive moment for me. It meant I didn’t have to play with that pressure hanging over me, as scholarships are usually offered at under-16s. To be honest, it was a bit unexpected, but I was playing really well, in great form, and even playing up an age group. In football, you don’t always take the time to appreciate achievements as they happen, but looking back, I see what a big deal it was.
When I first arrived at Sobha, I’d only been there once before, and I actually got lost! It was such a different environment to Hale End. I remember seeing Ben White straight away, and that’s when it really hit me – I’m here now. It’s a surreal feeling because you’re so close to the first team in terms of proximity, but at the same time, you realise just how much development it takes to reach that level. Training with them at first was a whole different ball game—the speed, the intensity, the quality. The ability they have is unreal. But the more you train with them, the more comfortable you become, and you adapt to the level quickly.
One of the big highlights for me was the FA Youth Cup run in 2022/23. Being part of that in my first year was incredible. Playing at St James’ Park, where I scored and got an assist, was a great experience. Then playing at the Emirates in the quarter-finals against Cambridge, and again in the semi-finals and final, was amazing. Playing in front of a crowd gives you that real understanding of the expectations that come with representing Arsenal, and we all took a lot from that run.
Signing my professional contract was another huge milestone. I started my second scholarship season really well – I went on the under-21s pre-season tour, scored twice in the EFL Trophy against Exeter, and was in great form. But then I had a bad injury and had to undergo surgery on both feet. I had a lot of doubts – whether I’d feel the same when I returned, how I’d come back – but I’ve come back stronger. During that period, I focused on self-improvement, using every resource available to better myself. When you’re injured, the gym becomes your pitch. I had another setback after returning, but it only made me stronger. I really appreciate the club for their support, and the fact they offered me a professional contract while I was injured shows how much belief they have in me.
Recently, I scored against Newcastle, and now I just want to build on my performances. I feel like I’m starting to find my place in the under-21s, getting consistent game time. My focus is on getting more goals and assists to help the team, and hopefully, we can go far in the play-offs.
Seeing players like Myles and Ethan step up to the first team is inspiring. I train with them every day, so seeing their journey just reinforces that if I keep my head down and perform well, my opportunity will come.
Football runs in my family too. My direct cousin, Dean Sinclair, played professionally for Norwich, Charlton, and a few other clubs. I’m also distantly related to Rio and Anton Ferdinand—we’re connected somewhere down the line.
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