Description Available in: Arsenal Football Club Academy is the youth system of Arsenal Football Club based in Hale End, London, England. The academy teams play in the Professional Development League, the highest level of youth football in England. The club also competes in the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League competitions. Former player Per Mertesacker is the current academy manager.
Arsenal Under-23s, previously referred to as the Reserves, is the highest level squad within the setup. They train at the Arsenal Training Centre play the majority of their home games at Meadow Park, which is the home of Boreham Wood FC. On occasion they also play at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Senior players occasionally play in the reserve side, as in the case when they're recovering from injury. Steve Bould currently manages the reserve team.
Arsenal's Academy is one of England's most successful, winning seven FA Youth Cups together with six Premier Academy League titles altogether. Numerous international players have graduated from the academy and reserve teams.