Young Gun: Josh Tahou | Feature | News
Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
Josh Tahou reflects on an injury-hit season and how he’s using the memories of his career highlights to push himself back towards full fitness.
I grew up in the Brixton area, and football started for me just playing in the park with my brother. From around the age of five, I fell in love with the game. My first team was Club Langley JFC, where I began to take things more seriously.
After a few years at Club Langley, I was scouted by Chelsea and joined at under-9s level. When I first went to Cobham for my trial, I wasn’t too nervous. I already knew some of the players, and at that age you are just playing for the love of the game rather than thinking too far ahead.
At the end of my under-14s year, I left Chelsea, and Arsenal came in for me, which was a great feeling. It helped that I already knew Maalik Hashi from our time at Chelsea.
Playing in the Youth Cup quarter-final at Emirates (Stadium) against Manchester United last season was an experience I will never forget – neither will my family. Despite the result, it was really special to have that experience around an Emirates matchday and to get some minutes on the pitch was I was still a schoolboy was amazing.
Receiving my scholarship meant a lot, not just to me but to my family as well. Making them proud was a big moment. The step up from Hale End to Sobha is real, but the fundamentals of the game stay the same.
This season has been particularly tough for me due to a hamstring injury that has kept me out for a long period. I have really missed playing, but I stay grounded in my faith and believe everything happens for a reason. I will be back next season, ready to go.
I still have had opportunities to train at times and even be involved with the first team. Training alongside players like Gabriel Jesus has been a great experience. He is a serious trainer, technically top, very skilful and tough to play against.
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