Developing Football Talent: Alice Smith School’s Football Development Partnership with Arsenal

Alice Smith School’s partnership with Arsenal Football Development brings additional expertise, experience and opportunity to our football programme, supporting students as they develop their skills and understanding of the game. Leading this provision is Chris Smith, Head of Football at Alice Smith School, whose international coaching experience spans professional clubs, international schools, universities and elite youth development.

Meet Chris Smith, Head of Football

Chris began his coaching career with Arsenal Soccer Schools in Vietnam, giving him first-hand experience of Arsenal’s approach to player development. He went on to represent PSG Academy in India before continuing his career in the UK with professional clubs including Nottingham Forest, Lincoln City and Salford City.

His experience also extends across international education, where he has worked with young footballers in schools across several countries.

More recently, Chris launched a university football programme alongside Gary Neville and the Manchester United Class of 92. The programme went on to receive the British University and College Sport (BUCS) Outstanding Achievement Award, following his previous leadership of the University of Nottingham Football team.

Chris holds UEFA B and FA Youth Award qualifications, alongside an MSc from Loughborough University. His coaching experience includes working with both male and female youth players who have progressed to professional and international football in Europe and Africa.

This breadth of experience shapes the football experience at Alice Smith: technically focused, development-led and designed around the individual player.

What does the Arsenal Football Development Partnership mean for our students?

The partnership provides another layer of expertise to Alice Smith’s football provision, connecting our students with the coaching methodology and player-development experience associated with Arsenal.

For students, this means opportunities to develop across different aspects of the game - from technical ability and tactical understanding to decision-making, movement and teamwork.

Just as importantly, the programme recognises that children develop at different rates.

Football development is not simply about identifying the strongest player today; it is about creating the right environment for every player to improve.

Our aim at Alice Smith is to help students become more confident and capable footballers while developing qualities that extend well beyond the pitch.

What can families expect?

Arsenal E-Academy : World-class coaching, anytime, anywhere

Bringing the club’s world-class coaching directly to our players and coaches, the Arsenal E-Academy is an innovative digital learning platform within the Football Development Programme. Featuring interactive training modules, tactical breakdowns, and skill-building drills crafted by UEFA-qualified Arsenal coaches, it allows our students to master the "Arsenal Way" anytime, anywhere.

Arsenal Coaching Curriculum & The 'Strong Young Gunner' Model

At the heart of our new training structure is the 'Strong Young Gunner' philosophy - a holistic framework designed to develop well-rounded, confident athletes. Built around four core pillars : Effective Team Player (tactical and technical skills), Efficient Mover (athleticism and physical literacy), Lifelong Learner (growth mindset), and Champion Mentality (resilience and drive), this curriculum equips young players to excel both on and off the pitch. Keep an eye out for the launch in EPA Season 2!

Arsenal Holiday Football Camps : Bring the Arsenal experience to our doorstep

Bringing the magic of North London directly to our school grounds, the Arsenal Holiday Football Camps offer players of all abilities the chance to train with official Arsenal Football Development coaches visiting from London. Combining high-quality coaching with plenty of fun, the camps will feature skill-building drills, game-IQ exercises and activities designed to build confidence and develop players’ skills.

The Arsenal Holiday Football Camps will take place in December 2026, with further details to be shared soon!

Official Adidas x Arsenal Team Kits

To top it all off, our students will take to the pitch in official Adidas x Arsenal teamwear, bringing the iconic Arsenal crest and colours to training and match days. More than a kit, it’s a way for our players to feel connected to the club’s footballing culture while building a shared sense of pride and unity. The team kits will be launched in 2027.

More than Football

At Alice Smith School, we believe sport has an important role to play in helping children become confident, courageous and purposeful young people.

Our football programme is therefore not solely about winning matches or producing elite players. It is about giving students the coaching, challenge and encouragement they need to discover their potential.

For those who aspire to play at a higher level, the programme provides a strong foundation for continued development. For students who simply love football, it offers a positive environment in which they can improve their skills, build friendships and enjoy being part of a team.

With Chris’ international and professional coaching experience and the expertise of our partnership with Arsenal Football Development, Alice Smith students have the opportunity to experience football development within a school environment that values both performance and personal growth.

Whether a student dreams of playing professionally or simply wants to become a better footballer, there is always another skill to learn, another challenge to embrace and another opportunity to grow.