Arsenal Football Development has announced landmark partnership agreements with The British School of Brussels (BSB), Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur, and Braeburn International School, Nairobi. More than three individual partnerships, the initiative establishes Arsenal’s first collaborative international school network, connecting leading schools across Europe, Asia and Africa through a shared commitment to excellence in education, sport and personal development.
Delivered through Arsenal Football Development, the Club’s commercial coaching programme, the partnerships combine Academy-led coaching, professional learning, holiday camps and an innovative digital learning platform to create a transformational experience for students, teachers and the wider school communities.
Each school becomes Arsenal Football Development’s exclusive international school partner within its respective territory, providing students and staff with privileged access to the Club’s coaching philosophy, educational resources and globally recognised approach to developing young people.
Cross Campus Assistant Head at BSB, Tristian Cook, first approached Arsenal with the concept almost two years ago.
“There are many outstanding football clubs working with schools around the world, but it became clear to me that Arsenal – a club whose values align so closely with our own – was not yet operating within the international school sector. I reached out to Marc at Arsenal with the idea of building something different.
Rather than creating three separate partnerships, we wanted to bring together like-minded schools that could learn from one another, share expertise and create opportunities for thousands of young people. Collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do at BSB, and this partnership is a powerful example of that value in action. Connecting schools across three continents will enrich the educational journeys of thousands of students for years to come.”
Marc Thorogood, Senior Global Manager for Arsenal Football Development, said:
“Arsenal has always believed in the power of football and education working hand in hand. These partnerships represent everything Arsenal Football Development stands for – inspiring young people to fulfil their potential through the identity, values and expertise of our Club. We are incredibly proud to welcome these three outstanding schools into the Arsenal family. This is an exciting first for Arsenal Football Development as we enter the international school sector, and we look forward to building something truly special together.”
James Penstone, CEO of The British School of Brussels, said:
“At BSB we believe education is about creating exceptional opportunities that inspire young people to discover their potential. Partnering with Arsenal Football Development aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence, collaboration and innovation. We are incredibly proud to have helped bring together three outstanding schools in a partnership that will benefit students and staff for many years to come.”
Dr John Knight, Head of School at Alice Smith School, added:
“At Alice Smith School we are always seeking partnerships that add genuine educational value and inspire our students to aim higher. Arsenal’s coaching excellence, commitment to developing young people and leadership within the women’s game make this partnership a natural fit for our community. We look forward to seeing our students, boys and girls alike, thrive through this programme.”
Nick Magnus MBE, CEO of Braeburn Schools, concluded:
“This partnership is truly groundbreaking. It will inspire our students, our staff, and our wider community, and we are delighted to welcome Arsenal Football Development to Africa. Football is woven into the fabric of life here, and the passion for the game is extraordinary. Arsenal has an incredibly strong following across our community, and this partnership will resonate deeply with our students and families. We are excited about the opportunities it will create and the lasting impact it will have on young people across the region.”
The announcement comes at an exciting moment in Arsenal’s history, with success across both the men’s and women’s game reinforcing the Club’s position as one of world football’s leading institutions. The men’s team are current premiership Champions and the ladies team won the Champions League in 2025. Arguably, Arsenal is top of the world game at this point in time. For students across all three schools, the partnership offers the opportunity to learn from an organisation recognised not only for sporting excellence, but also for its commitment to developing character, leadership and lifelong learning.
Whether inspiring a future Premier League footballer, encouraging greater participation in sport or simply helping young people build confidence, resilience and teamwork, this partnership has been designed for every student. Together, Arsenal Football Development, The British School of Brussels, Alice Smith School and Braeburn International School are creating an international community where football becomes a vehicle for learning, leadership and belonging.