Forestdale FC U7s and U8s Visit Arsenal's Training Ground

Forestdale FC U7s and U8s Visit Arsenal's Training Ground11 April 2026  ·  Forestdale FC, Croydon

On 11 April, two of our youngest squads — our U7s and U8s — headed to Arsenal's training ground for a Pre-Academy fixture against Arsenal Pre-Academy.
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For most of the kids, it was their first time stepping inside a professional football club's facility. Walking through the gates at Arsenal's ground, seeing the pitches, the setup, the whole environment — that's something they won't forget in a hurry.
Both groups competed well. The football was lively, there was plenty of effort on show, and the smiles at the end said everything you needed to know about the afternoon.

Fixtures like this are exactly what Forestdale FC is about. We're a grassroots youth club based in the Croydon and Bromley area, and we make it our business to give our players experiences that go beyond the park and the local league. Facing professional academy sides — at their own training ground — is part of how we develop not just footballers, but young people with confidence and ambition.

A great day for the club. Thanks to Arsenal Pre-Academy for hosting.