Seven supporters.

Seven stories of belonging, community, and heritage.

JayaHadADream

Rapper, JayaHadADream, cites her Irish family as a key inspiration behind her music, supporting her lifelong passions of football and music. Jaya’s connection with the club stems from the shared values of multiculturalism and open-mindness - for her, Arsenal always felt like the right club.

“Ireland in my blood, Arsenal in my heart, and music in my soul.”

Mairead

Mairead’s work as Director of The Arsenal Foundation plays a significant role in instilling a sense of belonging amongst our local and global communities, whether at home in north London or in the refugee camp in Za’atari, and represents a core value that she traces back to her Irish roots.

“To bring that sense of belonging from north Dublin via north London and out to a refugee camp in Za'atari is really something I'm very proud of. And I think, proud to be Irish, proud to be Arsenal.”

bill

As a former scout for the club, Bill’s story is intrinsically linked with Arsenal’s, helping bring young stars like Ashley Cole into the club. Bill’s connection with Arsenal goes one step further having met his wife Jan at an away game at Elland Road.

At Arsenal, Bill has found a community that feels like family.

“Ireland and Arsenal are family to me. There’s such a strong Arsenal community here, it really feels like one family.”

Mick

Content creator and lifelong Gooner, Mick, has always felt a deep connection with Arsenal despite geographical distance. For him, the club mirrors the cultural diversity of his homeland, Ireland.

“Ireland is a very cultured place, and Arsenal is such a cultured club. When I went to Emirates Stadium for the first time, I really felt that sense of belonging.”

Brendan & Betty

Married couple, Brendan and Betty, have lived in Highbury for over 50 years, moving over from Ireland during The Troubles. They felt instantly welcomed by the Community, with Arsenal playing a key role.

The couple now regularly attend the London Irish Centre in Camden to meet with familiar faces including Bill and Jan.

“The locals were very kind to us over here. We came over from Ireland when the Troubles were starting, but we were never looked down on. We felt part of the community immediately, Arsenal was a huge part of that.”

Lost Girl

For musician, Lost Girl, Irish represents close family bonds which draws parallels with her connection to Arsenal. For her, Ireland, music and football are the key connectors with her large extended family in Ireland.

“Irishness to me is family - like really close family bonds and community.”

Alfie

Working as a Youth Engagement Officer for Arsenal in the Community, Alfie plays an active role in helping connect people and communities in north London.

Growing up in north London, Alfie comes across many fellow second and third generation families from Ireland and finds an instant connection is forged through their shared heritag

“Everywhere you go, if you speak to someone and they're Irish or they have Irish family, you have that little chat and you just feel like you've already got a friend.”