Arsenal advises young players on use of social media

With the almost constant news about players use of social media, especially Twitter, it comes as no surprise that clubs are starting to tutor their players on the use of the platforms.

Last summer saw Wolverhampton Wanderers bring in sports lawyers to warn their players on the use of social media (possibly not the best way to do it, but its a start).  Some insight about what happens behind the scenes at the Emirates came to light recently when the clubs communication director Mark Gonnella spoke about the matter to Arsenal Player.

“From day one when they start wearing the Arsenal badge they become people that everybody is interested to hear from. Whether they’re playing for the first team or part of the Academy, suddenly their views are of interest. Thousands of people will follow them [on Twitter, not in person] and react to what they are saying, so they need to learn very early.

“If you say something on Twitter you’re not just talking to a small group of friends or people who are very close to you, you’re actually talking to thousands and probably millions of people.

“There can sometimes be problems, while sometimes there can be a great story and it’s all good. What we’re here to do is make sure they get it right more than they get it wrong.”

It is good to hear that they are showing the players how the platforms work and is key that they understand that they dont have to be followed by people for them to see what they are saying on Twitter.  It was also interesting to hear how stars of the clubs past, who are still involved now but on a coaching level understand it and the issues facing young players.

Former defender and now youth team boss Steve Bould said;

“We were quite lucky, we never had any of this Twitter and Facebook and constant media pressure. It’s tough for them, they have to learn early that things they do and say in the public eye.

“They grow up. They’ve got old heads on young bodies and so far we’ve not had too much of a problem. Certainly when they get to the fringe of the first team that’s when it really matters because the whole world wants to know what they’re doing. Any little snippet that they find can be used, so they need to be careful.”

On the training days that his players are taken through,“I think it’s a fabulous opportunity, something as I’ve ever said, we never had to deal with. When I first faced a camera I didn’t have a clue what to do. These kids have got it all early, but everything is set-up for them to be professional on and off the pitch.”

Its refreshing to see a team who has gone down the route of education for its players, embracing the technology and accepting that it is here to stay.  Not as with other teams who have talked about banning its use and, in effect, burying their heads in the sand.

Done right, it is a fantastic way to bring the players and fans together, and Arsenal have been showing the way forward for a while now.

About author

Daniel McLaren
Daniel McLaren 820 posts

Dan is the Founder & CEO of Digital Sport. Can be found at sports industry events and heard every week on the Digital Sport Insider podcast. @DanielMcLaren

You might also like

SPORTEL 2021: Day One Recap

This year’s prestigious SPORTEL convention kicked off in sunny Monaco today, welcoming a host of familiar faces as well as plenty of new ones. Doors opened at 8:30am with businesses

Six Founding Riders Set To Bring The Vision Of The UCI Track Champions League To Life

Olympic Champions, UCI World Champions and World Record holders join the new track cycling competition debuting in November 2021 The UCI Track Champions League is delighted to announce that six

Sports related spending to soar this summer as pre-pandemic life resumes

New insights from eBay Ads UK reveal the potential for brands to engage with an excited but nervous nation as sports events get back on track  As pubs and indoor