Max Dowman’s former club, Billericay Town, have revealed why the youngster rejected other clubs to join Arsenal’s academy at the age of six.
The 15-year-old is making waves at Hale End and in the Gunners’ first team, with Mikel Arteta granting him several opportunities already this term.
Dowman made his full Arsenal debut on Wednesday night in the League Cup, starting in a front three that also included 17-year-old striker Andre Harriman-Annous.
Such a hallmark occasion for the starlet and his family has been a long time in the making, with the teenage sensation joining the North London club at the age of six.
Why Max Dowman turned down all of London’s biggest clubs for Arsenal
Dowman is arguably one of the most talented young players in the world.
He doesn’t turn 16 until December, yet he’s already performing alongside senior professionals and he doesn’t look out of place.
On Wednesday night against Brighton, he showed remarkable composure and conviction, dominating the Seagulls at times with his effortless dribbling and ball carrying.
This is the culmination of a nine-year journey at Arsenal, during which he has developed at a miraculous rate through the various age groups.
According to the Guardian, Dowman had ‘the pick of clubs’ when he was at Billericay Town in 2015, as a six-year-old.
Scouts from all of London’s biggest academies had watched him and made an approach. Nick Hutt, the chair of Billericay’s youth section, revealed why he and his family opted for the Gunners.
“The whole family are Arsenal supporters, so they chose Arsenal.”
Dowman is set to sign scholarship terms with Arsenal, while a professional deal for when he turns 17 is already said to be in place.
It’s clear that he and his family have an affinity for the Gunners, and this will certainly endear him to the North London club’s supporters.
Nick Hutt says Max Dowman’s family will have kept him ‘grounded’
Being thrust into the limelight at such a young age will certainly have been difficult for Dowman.
He’d be forgiven for having an ego or for allowing the pressure to affect him and his performance levels. This is still something that the club needs to manage carefully, as he navigates the world of being a prodigy footballer.
However, Hutt has revealed that he’s confident that Dowman’s parents will have helped to keep him humble.
“Max has always been kind of old for his age,” he said.
“Very mature, laid back and he worked incredibly hard at his football. They’re a very grounded family. Both his mum, Caroline, and Rob, I’m sure they keep Max grounded.
“They’re very humble, nice people, very kind of community-focused. So I’m sure they’ve played an important role in getting him ready for where he is now.”
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