This season, the 18-year-old has pushed his way into the Gunners’ fold and is taking advantage of the chances that have been presented to him.

In collaboration with kit supplier Adidas, Arsenal’s mean’s team will focus their FA Cup third-round match on the No More Red campaign for the fourth consecutive season. In place of their customary red home colors, the Gunners wear a special all-white stripe to commemorate these events.

Despite its international recognition and fan base, Arsenal has a long history of giving back to the community in their hometown of north London, where they have been a passionate supporter for 40 years. One of their more recent programs, No More Red, focuses on preventing youth violence and knife crime.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, a breakout star, spoke with GOAL about No More Red, his deeper connection to the program, life with the Gunners first team, and more ahead of Sunday’s run-out of an increasingly famous all-white uniform at home against Manchester United.

Peckwater Estate in Camden is next in line and will open later in 2025, while Harvest Estate, Mayville Estate, and King Square in Islington have their football fields renovated as part of Arsenal’s investment in three new safe locations for kids to play football as part of No More Red. These pitches were used by more than 500 persons just last year.

Lewis-Skelly, who was born in Islington and grew up close to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium base in Holloway, is shown here alongside local hero and youth violence activist Zakaria Hassan. He thought it was crucial to take the lead and lend his face to a campaign centered on this topic.

“This is my community,” stated Lewis-Skelly. Since I grew up in north London, this means a lot to me. It’s crucial to be able to play in a secure environment.

“I feel like a lot of Arsenal fans are gathered here to commemorate this season and, hopefully, many more years to come. encouraging everyone to participate and gather for a secure football playing environment.”

No More Red also seeks to raise awareness of role models—people who go above and beyond to improve their community in north London and beyond.

Lewis-Skelly, who turned 18 in September, is obviously mature for his age, as evidenced by his involvement with No More Red, which he attributed to his desire to set an example for others.

“100%,” he said in response to the question of whether he also wants to be admired and aspirational. “Having role models—people you look up to who have experienced similar things—as well as people who generally have the grace to be sympathetic and empathetic is vital. To demonstrate that trait, you must be an example, which is why I think empathy and understanding are crucial.

Marcia, Lewis-Skelly’s mother, is well-known for her own contributions to the game. She established No1Fan.club in the summer of 2024 as a way to assist parents of young, aspiring football players in navigating the complicated world of sports through a number of beneficial programs.

It was therefore not surprising when GOAL asked Lewis-Skelly to name her as his favorite role model. He said, “My mother, someone I look up to, who’s shown nurturing and understanding,” referring to two of those fundamental qualities that he holds in the highest regard.

Arsenal has long taken pride in developing players from the English capital and bringing in academy talent. It’s not just Lewis-Skelly who has played under Mikel Arteta during this wonderful chapter in Arsenal’s recent history.

This season, Lewis-Skelly has been friends with Ethan Nwaneri, the youngest player in Premier League history, since their youth days. Nwaneri most recently scored in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton. Naturally, the brilliant example of Bukayo Saka, the beloved prince of Arsenal who is headed for immortality, comes next.

“It’s felt really good seeing the likes of Bukayo that have helped me come through, it’s been quite a smooth transition,” Lewis-Skelly stated. “I have benefited greatly from the significance of those who came before me. I’ve benefited greatly from that. They are unquestionably role models.

This new Arsenal still primarily depends on the contributions of its own players and has a distinct character once more. Saka, the academy’s crown gem and a No More Red advocate in past seasons, is only one example that Lewis-Skelly could emulate.

“I’d definitely say the senior players have helped me a lot,” he stated. “I am inspired by them and learn from their behaviors every day. They’re willing to contribute, which is also excellent, and I can learn a lot from them.”

Lewis-Skelly has obviously taken into consideration everything that has been communicated with him. This season, he has already made 13 senior appearances, four of which have been as the starting left-back in the past month.

Lewis-Skelly is one of the few who can say that they joined Arsenal at the age of eight and made it into the first team. During his tenure at the renowned Hale End academy, he has donned a variety of uniforms featuring the renowned cannon.

“You know, that means the world. “It means the world to be able to wear the shirt every matchday,” he remarked, before mentioning his mother’s contribution once more. “You can see what it means to my mother and my school when I make my Champions League debut. It is quite important to them.

Arsenal’s No More Red uniforms are unique in that they aren’t, have never been, and never will be for sale. Just 210 shirts have been distributed to chosen locals, volunteers, community partners, and role models who have made contributions to the community since the campaign began in 2022.

Lewis-Skelly, who is a fan of the No More Red uniform, will be wearing it for the first time if he plays in Sunday’s match against Manchester United.

“I hope I can be a part of it; it’s pleasant and clean. It’s wonderful,” he said, smiling as he looked down at the top’s detailing. Wearing the shirt when playing against Manchester United in the FA Cup is a big symbolic thing!”