Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal and his mother Marcia are an odd couple in football.
When Myles Lewis-Skelly’s mother Marcia got her first call from an agent, she was an 11-year-old student at the Arsenal academy.
Marcia Lewis tells The Athletic, “I remember I was driving the car, Myles was on tour in Spain.” A voice stated, “Hello, I’m calling about Myles,” as the phone rang. I was concerned because I believed there might be a problem. However, they later revealed to me that they were agents and expressed a desire to begin a personal connection.
Although a young player isn’t technically allowed to work with an agent until January of the year they turn 16, this doesn’t stop prospective suitors from contacting them. The agency mentioned a few well-known players they represented, but Marcia, who had no prior experience with football, found them to be meaningless.
Myles was unaware at the time of the industry’s increasing interest in his progress, which will only expand now that he has been included in Arsenal’s team for their preseason tour of the United States.
Myles, who is now 17 years old, adds, “Mum didn’t tell me those things, and that was fine.” “It didn’t concern me. I simply adore playing football. That is all there is to it.
But the calls didn’t stop coming as Myles got older and his ability was recognised by more people. Marcia says, “When he was twelve, a major sports brand wanted to sponsor him.” The interest persisted.
Early communication with brands and agents was avoided. For a family still coming to terms with the reality of the football world, it seemed like too much, too fast. Marcia recalls, “At different times, I felt unprepared to make decisions that could affect Myles’ future.” “The football industry lacked family ties, a network to consult, and reliable advice.”
Marcia’s maternal instincts were strong because this little star was under the spotlight. “I felt that I had to keep him safe.”
The only way Marcia and Myles’ father could start navigating this world was to find other young footballer parents and pay attention to their insights and knowledge. Marcia says, “They gave me confidence and so much comfort.” “That’s when I realised how beneficial it can be to have other parents’ support.”
Marcia made an effort to get knowledgeable about the workings of the football industry. She had led an investment bank’s technology training division before, and her experience was in learning and development. However, in 2020, she started a master’s program in football business. She says, “I wanted to comprehend the football landscape.”
In order to comprehend the agent position, she also studied for FIFA’s football agent exam. According to Myles, she put in “crazy hours” to earn her credential.
“His dad and I needed more time to build those relationships— and to properly understand what agents do,” Marcia adds. “There are plenty of great agents.” “We wanted that extra time because it’s such a big decision.”
Marcia is now officially Myles’ representative. “I took my exam to get that knowledge for us, not really as a driver to represent Myles.”
and to teach other parents that information. Marcia studied the parent experience in young football for her master’s thesis. After conducting interviews with eighteen parents whose children ranged in age from fifteen to twenty-one, she identified a number of recurrent issues, including how to handle agents, academy education, sports legislation and contracts, and how a parent might help their child should they decide to leave their club.She also launched a podcast called Behind the Boots, where she and co-host Kat Chidiac spoke with football parents, including Georgia Stanway’s mother Joanne and Alex Iwobi’s father Chuka.
She started to develop an idea for a platform towards the end of 2022 that would act as a support system and network for parents of young football players. Recently, the website relaunched as No1Fan.club, a centre that offers families a community and support system while they follow their football journey. They create a variety of content that is pertinent to the experiences of parents, but they also give people the chance to ask professionals in the field and parents who have been there before questions.
It applies to more than just young players at top teams like Arsenal. Additionally, No1Fan.club offers grassroots support.
According to Marcia, “there are over 3.5 million children who play organised football every week, and many of them aspire to play professional football.” If they choose to participate, we can offer those parents and guardians a peek of the academy experience as well as a variety of expert insights on topics like getting scouted, nutrition, growth injuries, sleep, the effect of digital devices on performance, and our own and our kids’ general well-being! It’s a comprehensive strategy.
Additionally, Marcia has developed a toolkit that enables academies to provide parents with lively and informative sessions.
“I firmly think that increased knowledge and understanding among parents can only benefit other sectors of the business,” she states. It implies that we approach our kids’ football development more realistically and with a sound long-term perspective. It has a good impact on our interactions with clubs, agents, and balancing our studies, to name a few. Everyone gains from this.
“Football is an industry.” And to succeed in it, just like in any other business, you need to understand it. We will make poor selections if we don’t comprehend it. It is expected of us to stay in our lanes and let others handle the restricted information flow.
“It’s really necessary,” Myles says. “Parents do not have enough support in the world. Academies and the grassroots are somewhat unaware of this aspect of the situation. It’s great that my mother is educating them; they need it.
Despite their busy schedules, Myles is careful to make sure Marcia doesn’t overdo it. “Even when I’m working on the platform, Myles will come and bring me some water and tell me to go to bed,” says Marcia. “She doesn’t sleep enough!” says Myles emphatically.
Marcia’s hard work has paid off — she is fast becoming the house’s resident football expert. “She’s telling me about transfers, the table, what’s going on in the Championship — she knows more than me now!” laughs Myles. “She enjoys watching games too. Even my grandmother’s getting into it — she watched all the Euros games.”
What to expect from Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States
Myles also has studies of his own to focus on. Alongside his burgeoning football career, he is studying for A-Levels in Spanish and business studies. Marcia would love all clubs to offer equal opportunities in their education provision among young players when they become scholars. She feels some clubs such as Arsenal are great, but others are not as impressive. She hopes the Premier League will look to improve this.
Much of Marcia’s work is about breaking down the stereotypes surrounding football parents. “Everyone always talks about living your dreams through your kids — but it wasn’t mine or his dad’s dream to play football,” she says. “You are always going to get parents who have an agenda, but I don’t believe that’s the majority. Most parents just want to support their child’s passion.”
As a woman, navigating the masculine world of football can be challenging. “If you google ‘mum agent’, you always get negative stories,” says Marcia. “I think the way women are treated in the industry is wrong. We provide a huge amount of practical and emotional support to our boys and girls, but there’s no credit for the balance that we bring.
“As a parent, it can feel like you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. If you’re involved, you’re pushy parents. If you’re not, you aren’t taking an interest. It’s difficult to get that balance.”
The role of Mark and Denise Bellingham in steering the careers of their sons Jude and Jobe has been an inspiration to Marcia. “You look at them and think, ‘Wow, they managed to do that in this crazy world’,” she says. “And the boys seem to be doing fine.”
For Myles and Marcia, embarking on this football adventure together has only strengthened their bond.
“I’m enjoying the journey with Myles,” says Marcia. “It has been overwhelming at times, but once I learned to get a handle on it it’s been much easier to navigate. Now I hope the platform can help others in the same way.”
Myles has no concerns about Marcia’s involvement in football impacting him. “I never look at it like that,” he says. “She’s doing her thing and I’m doing mine.
“I think it’s a parent’s duty to understand what their child is doing,” adds Myles. “We’re on this journey together. We’re in the same industry but in different parts. It’s pretty cool.
“I feel secure, safe and fortunate. I feel I’m in good hands. I trust my mum more than anyone. I can just worry about football. She’ll take care of everything else.”
Young Gun: Myles Lewis-Skelly
We’ll be following up with our young Gunners during the season to learn more about their journey to our academy. This week, Myles Lewis-Skelly talks about winning the FA Youth Cup, receiving his scholarship, and his mother’s podcast.
After doing trials at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, I initially joined the academy at the under-9 level. I’ve been patient, focused, and productive ever since. Since I don’t consider anything to be a down; rather, I regard them as opportunities for learning, I don’t believe there have been any notable low points along my trip.
We went to Chelsea together and have kind of progressed through the ranks together, so I knew Ethan Nwaneri before I joined Arsenal. Since joining the group, Josh Nichols and I have undoubtedly gotten closer.
It was a wonderful experience to receive a scholarship offer, especially one that came early. It fulfilled a dream. I truly couldn’t ask for anything more because that would be loved by so many boys worldwide. My folks were overjoyed! I’m happy, but I need to keep going because this is where the hard work begins. They understood.
I’ve been an Arsenal fan my entire life. Although my family wasn’t really interested in football, they quickly became ardent Arsenal followers after I began playing.
In order to encourage parents in the profession who don’t receive as much support from other clubs, my mother hosts a podcast to ease their transition. Our parents also have a significant part to play, even if we are the players. Since they are our biggest supporters in the end, they can support one another if they need assistance on their path.
The FA Youth Cup semi-final at the Emirates last season versus Manchester City is the pinnacle of my time here. It was among my best playing moments ever. The emotion I had when I finally scored the goal after all of my hard work for that one moment is beyond words. I ran into the box in extra time, a little late. I never give up, even when I don’t think it’s possible or the team is worn out.
“There’s so much I can learn from Declan Rice”
Either a No. 6 or No. 8 is where I perform best. I’m not sure yet, but I’m just going to keep working to become proficient in both. I’m prepared to play in the 6 or 8 slot, whatever it takes. Since I’m the only player, I wouldn’t say that I base my game on anyone, but I do attempt to incorporate elements from other players into my own. I can learn so much from somebody like Declan Rice, for instance. I watch him every time I look at him, trying to figure out how he’s doing at the highest level. I can attempt to win my game by utilising his strengths.
Keeping my feet firmly planted isn’t too difficult for me because I know where I want to end up. I am aware that improving is a daily process. I want to put in my best effort every day to become the best version of myself and to be at the top of my game, even though I know this is just the beginning. I believe there are no limits if I continue in that manner.
Seeing the likes of Bukayo, Eddie, Emile and Reiss coming through the Academy makes me even more determined and more able to believe in myself that it’s possible.
This season I’d like to break through to the first team so I can go into next season competing and battling with the best, the likes of Declan and Martin Odegaard. That’s where I want to take it.