Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, 18, Seeks Inspiration from England Captain in Different Sport to Secure Starting Position

WHILE many have been enjoying the beach this summer, Ethan Nwaneri has been staying in shape alongside England Beach Soccer star Aaron Clarke.

The Gunners academy graduate, Nwaneri, 18, is on the verge of signing a lucrative new first-team contract as he dedicates his future to the club amidst interest from Chelsea and other major European teams.

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Following a breakout season, where he featured in 16 matches across all competitions and netted nine goals, Nwaneri sees the upcoming season as a perfect opportunity to solidify his position in the long-term plans of manager Mikel Arteta.

There’s also a chance to earn a spot in England manager Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad next summer.

This commitment means he has kept pushing himself during this pre-season.

After a brief break assisting Lee Carsley’s England U21s to secure victory in the Euros in Slovakia, Nwaneri wasted no time getting back to work, engaging in warm-weather training with Clarke.

Clarke, 34, has been an Arsenal academy coach since July 2011, establishing a rapport with Nwaneri as he progressed through the Hale End ranks from the age of nine.

In addition, he represents England’s Beach Soccer team and acts as an ambassador, having made over 100 appearances since March 2013. As of November 2024, he had scored 200 goals for the side.

Clarke continues to play an integral role in Arsenal’s youth development, recently engaging in a talent search program at the club after nurturing many successful graduates.

In September 2023, Clarke remarked: “I have worked with the U9s and now I am involved with the U16s, those transitioning into professional contracts.

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“I have witnessed players like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe evolve from nine and ten-year-olds into first-team players.

“This experience enables me to make informed decisions as I have observed them for over a decade.

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“Based on my past experiences, I can impart better guidance to the next generation about what I believe is most effective.”

Nwaneri, alongside Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, was seen with Clarke this summer on Instagram, participating in Electi Training, an elite football training program both during and off-season, before joining Arsenal for their pre-season camp in Spain and then moving on to Singapore and Hong Kong.

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has also trained with Electi Training and Clarke recently.

Clarke is a LifeChange personal trainer focused on educating clients about healthy, active lifestyles, and mental training aimed at enhancing “energy, confidence, and positivity.”

In a video during a mid-season session with Clarke, Nwaneri praised his positive impact on his growth and development.

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Nwaneri expressed: “I aim to enhance my strength. For instance, I have been focusing on power, flexibility, and mobility, which are essential for injury prevention.

“The core workouts we pursue are challenging both physically and mentally. With Aaron always pushing me and presenting various scenarios, it’s invaluable.

“It truly provides an edge on the field.”

After his time in youth football, Clarke received an invitation for a beach soccer trial in Bournemouth at age 20. Within six months, he earned his England debut.

Since then, he has played internationally for clubs like Barcelona, Malaga, and Valencia, having honed his skills on sand at local volleyball and sandpits in London.

Clarke advocates for more players to practice on sand and hopes to convince Arsenal’s academy to incorporate sand training into their methods.

He stated: “The challenge lies in the availability of facilities in England. Arsenal won’t travel a few hours to the coast, but coaches are becoming increasingly open to beach football.

“Particularly with younger athletes, as they see the benefits it brings in enhancing their overall football skills. My next ambition is to find a venue for the youth to enjoy this experience.

“The advantages are clear. Training on sand places more strain on the body, making it an excellent tool for rehabilitation or pre-season preparation, enhancing their fitness and physical attributes.

“Players who engage in beach football tend to develop better technical skills. Transitioning from sand to grass becomes much simpler.”