In partnership with Nigerian telecommunications company, MTN, Arsenal recently ran a three-day football clinic in the country.

The clinic involved a mixture of both theoretical and practical sessions, and Ray Parlour helped members of Arsenal’s technical coaching crew in running the classes.

The whole event took place in Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, and according to Friday’s edition of THISDAY (a Nigerian publication), there were over 30 participants from local teams taking part. Richard Iweanoge, General Manager, Consumer Marketing of MTN, said: “Football is a core part of our lives as Nigerians…that was why we went on this partnership with Arsenal and we are excited because this is the beginning of greater things to come.”

Arsenal have always been committed to helping support football at a grassroots level. In fact, I personally used to attend a “grassroots soccer” club run by Arsenal when I was younger. So I know that first-hand.

Giving the same sort of opportunities to people across the world, both to players looking to turn professional, as well as at the very basic level that I used to play at, is something fans can be proud of the club for being involved in. Especially when they’re sending high-profile former Gunners like Ray Parlour, you know that the club are involved in more than just name.

Overall, the clinic seemed to be a success, with THISDAY reporting that participants who attended expressed their satisfaction at the quality of the sessions.