Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shows true colours with what he’s doing for youth players

Under Armour has announced Mikel Arteta as its new global ambassador, with the Arsenal manager hopeful of making a real impact on the next generation of budding footballers

Mikel Arteta has been unveiled as Under Armour’s new global ambassador, which will see the Arsenal boss look to transform aspiring footballers’ lives. The collaboration between the American sportswear giant and one of the Premier League’s most respected tacticians has come as part of Under Armour’s expansion into football.

The Gunners boss will share his insights and understanding of the sport in areas such as brand development, talent identification and leadership. A key aspect of Arteta’s new role will also be developing the next generation of athletes with his role in Under Armour’s Next programme.

Under Armour launched its Next programme in 2023 with the goal of inspiring, supporting and celebrating the next generation of athletes trying to break through. The project gives players between the ages of 16 and 20, such as those released from professional football clubs, the opportunity to sign up to the programme and test themselves at UA Next Academy in London.

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Those who are successful are rewarded with a spot on the UA Next roster, gaining access to pro-level support, experts, facilities and experiences designed to take their game to the next level. So far, over 10,000 athletes have been tested and 18 contracts handed out, with Arteta being brought in to play a leading role in the programme’s development.

Under Armour believes Arteta is a perfect fit for the position thanks to his excellent track record of providing young players with a platform to flourish during his Arsenal tenure. But the Spaniard himself is also keen to use his exceptional eye for talent and player development skills to make a meaningful impact in the city he now calls home.

“When we are sitting in our roles, we have a massive opportunity to transform people’s lives and I really want to use that opportunity,” he said.

“I had people that made decisions, took chances and changed my life, changed the course of my life, my family and the way I live my life, and I want to do that as often as possible and as much as possible, and it can be in various ways and around football.

“With Under Armour, I think we have a massive opportunity to give so many people hope, opportunities and transform their lives, and make sure that everybody that is here, in London, and across Europe, can see that opportunity is possible and we’re going to create that pathway for them.

“The least I can do is try to give back. I’ve been given so much and I’ve been given opportunity after opportunity and I try to surround myself with the best possible environment.

“There’s no better environment than this [Under Armour] and people who are so passionate about it and are very willing to transform peoples lives, transform products and be very creative about how to approach something with the level of passion and ambition that [founder and CEO] Kevin [Plank] is showing. It’s not just to do something, but it’s about being the best at something.”

He added: “When you have to have the sense that a player is prepared to handle a certain situation and has the personality to overcome certain exposure at this level. It’s the most fulfilling thing. I’ve never felt so good as when I give an opportunity to someone and then they give it back – it’s just phenomenal.”

The announcement of Arteta’s new role will be followed by a new football campaign from Under Armour, ‘Be The Problem’, which launches this Friday ahead of the start of the new football season. Under Armour believes Arteta embodies the campaign due to his “elite tactical mind constantly seeking ways to disrupt teams”.

“Bringing Mikel on-board will revolutionise our football business and demonstrates how serious we are about leading the next generation of football,” said Plank.

“I have a great rapport with Mikel and admire how he constantly pushes himself and those around him through his disruptive thinking. For me there really is no one more qualified or suited to the role.”

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