Myles Lewis-Skelly – Fearless on the pitch and flawless off it
If you are an Arsenal or England fan, it's hard not to have anything but love and admiration for Myles Lewis-Skelly and his family.
How many other young athletes play without fear at such a high level so early in their careers?
How many other athletes have a parent, Marcia Lewis, who studied to earn a Masters in Football Business and become a FIFA registered agent in order to support her son and other families with aspiring footballers?
Myles deservedly signed a new contract with The Gunners this summer, and the video inevitably pulls at the heartstrings.
Family is clearly important to the player, with the video underlining his relationship not only with the club but also with his grandmother and the wider community that all contribute to the success of athletes during their careers.
He caused controversy when he mocked Erling Haaland’s goal celebration after scoring against Manchester City in a 5-1 win at the Emirates, showing the confidence and self-belief that ruffled the feathers of some fans and pundits.
But that confidence shows itself off the pitch, not just on it.
He comes across as incredibly mature for his age, and had no hesitation in explaining his process of visualisation and manifestation which has helped him approach huge matches like a veteran.
He exhibited a calm authority that interviewees rarely exhibit alongside authenticity, humility and not a hint of embarrassment at what some may consider a leftfield approach.
Whether this comes naturally to him or has been nurtured by his family and entourage, it's a case study in authentic communication - and how to get your message across simply and effectively.
He supported a fundraiser for Stationers Park in North London when he was just a young teenager, the tired sports facility where he had spent so many hours kicking a ball.
Then, still without a full season of games under his belt, it’s a testament to him that he found the time to look out for other youngsters once the renovations had been completed, to hand out prizes for a football competition staged on the pitch where he played as a child.
A recent trip to St Lucia, where he has family roots, saw him join 30 children from the Gros Islet Youth Football League for a football session at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
He took time to speak to the youngsters and sign autographs for them and said: “It was so good to be around everyone, such good energy in Saint Lucia.”
“Especially coming to see the kids. The next generation is so important. I never had this when I was young, so for them to ask me questions, I’m just very grateful to be here.
“Everyone here has talent, and I see that,” he said. “Saint Lucia is my land as well because I have family here, and I want to come back.”
Talent can take you a long way in sport. Add confidence to that with a focus on being focused, hard-working and family-orientated and it’s easy to see why Myles is a marketer’s dream.
Sports sponsors want to be associated with athletes who share their values, who won’t embarrass them with some of the misdemeanours that youngsters are so prone to entertain.
No wonder he was invited to Paris Fashion Week where he showcased Wales Bonner’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection with an elegance that suggested he had been modelling for years.
It comes back to that blend of professionalism, maturity and authenticity.
In a recent interview, Myles explained the approach that would benefit aspiring and seasoned athletes who want to reach the top of their game.
He said: “I would say that nothing I’ve achieved has been by accident. I’ve put in the work, and I’ve really had self-belief and trust in my ability to do what I’m doing.
“Obviously, it goes without saying that people around me have helped me so much. Everyone – staff, family and players – have taken me under their wing and let me rise.”