Arsenal have won the 2019 JSSL Professional Academy 7s, a tournament in Singapore for u16 sides from around the world.

Arsenal's u16 JSSL tournament side. Top row (left to right): Zane Monlouis, Khayon Edwards, Malcolm Ebiowei, Remy Mitchell, Henry Jeffcott, Billy Vigar. Bottom row (left to right): Omari Hutchinson, Harry Jones, Mauro Bandeira, Taylor Foran, Jack Henry-Francis, James Sweet
Arsenal’s u16 JSSL tournament side. Top row (left to right): Zane Monlouis, Khayon Edwards, Malcolm Ebiowei, Remy Mitchell, Henry Jeffcott, Billy Vigar. Bottom row (left to right): Omari Hutchinson, Harry Jones, Mauro Bandeira, Taylor Foran, Jack Henry-Francis, James Sweet

Arsenal’s youth side were drawn in a tough group, alongside Atletico Madrid and eventual finalists Perth Glory, but they came out on top with three wins and a draw.

After that, they defeated Singapore side JSSL FC 2-1 in the quarter-finals, before beating Malaysian side Johor Darul Takzim 1-0 in the semis. JDT had knocked out Fulham in the previous round, so that was no easy match. The Gunners then secured a 2-0 victory over Perth Glory in the final to win the trophy.

Although technically this was an u16 tournament, u15 head coach Dan Micciche took charge of the team, with the side featuring many players from that level. A lot of the u16s were already away with England at the Montaigu Tournament or joining the u18s for the Dallas Cup, so the u15s had to fill in.

Here’s a quick highlight video of some of Arsenal’s goals from the tournament:

Well-known youngster Omari Hutchinson was impressive as usual in midfield, whilst James Sweet stole the headlines by scoring in the semis and the final. Taylor Foran captained the side, whilst goalkeeper Remy Mitchell kept six clean sheets in seven matches.

As well as winning the tournament, Arsenal ended up scoring the most goals per game of any team at their level, so it was a very successful weekend for the academy side.

Speaking to Goal, head coach Dan Micciche said: “It has been an honour to be here. Singapore is a special country with special people. At a club like Arsenal, there is always an expectation of winning, whether it is the first team or in the Academy. We would love to come back to the JSSL Professional Academy 7s next year if we have an opportunity.”

Congratulations to the youngsters on yet another trophy, after the u16s lifted the Liam Brady Cup recently. Let’s hope the u18s can achieve similar success by winning the u18 Premier League, as they’re just two wins away from doing so.