Arsenal youngster Owen Asemota was one of four Gunners youngsters involved in the England u16 squad for their u16 Federations Cup match against Sweden earlier this week.
Youth goalkeeper Asemota was in the starting lineup, and he ended up keeping a clean sheet in a 4-0 win.
Arsenal’s Theo Julienne also started the match, playing 67 minutes, with fellow Gunner Max Dowman coming on as a substitute for 30 minutes and Jack Porter making the bench as well.
AllNigeriaSoccer report that Asemota has been offered a scholarship deal by Arsenal for the 2024/25 season, but it appears he’s yet to sign it.
Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa are all monitoring the England u16 international, according to the same source.
Things are clearly going well for the 15-year-old right now, and he’ll look to keep progressing through the academy ranks over the coming years. Whether that’s at Arsenal or elsewhere, we’ll see.
Some Arsenal fans might also recognise Max Dowman’s name, as the 14-year-old made records earlier this season when he became the youngest player ever fielded in an u18 Premier League fixture.
Then just 13, Dowman came off the bench in a 4-0 win for Arsenal over Southampton. Now he’s made his England youth debut.
Two-year program: A scholarship deal is a two-year program offered to promising young players aged 16-18 who show the potential to become professional footballers.
Combination of football & education: The program balances intensive football training and competitive matches with continued academic education. This ensures that young players have a pathway even if their football career doesn’t reach the highest levels.
Professional contract potential: Upon completion of the scholarship, players may be offered a professional contract with their club if they demonstrate sufficient development.
Academy system: All Premier League clubs have youth academies that offer scholarships. These academies are categorized (Category 1 being the highest level) and are regularly audited by the league.
Education standards: The Premier League sets strict standards for the educational component of scholarships to ensure players have a solid fallback option.
Safeguarding: Protecting the well-being of young players is paramount. Clubs have designated safeguarding officers and robust policies to ensure their scholars are safe and supported.
Scouting: Most scholars are identified by club scouts at a young age, often playing for local grassroots clubs or other academies.
Trials: Clubs sometimes hold open trials, but they are highly competitive.
Academy intake: Being part of a Premier League academy at younger age groups (U14, U15) often creates a smoother pathway to a scholarship offer.
