Arsenal Academy under the management of Per Mertesacker and Will Oldham presents itself as a nurturing environment, a family-friendly institution dedicated to developing young talents. But behind this facade lies a shocking reality: an institution that prioritizes financial gain over the welfare of its young players, a place where bullying by bad eggs among the coaches is shielded by Academy Management; a place where psychological abuse, and exploitation is the order of the day.

Joshua Dele James, a British Nigerian promising player, adjudged the quickest ball mover and fastest player in the history of the academy at his age level (U12) has been subjected to a campaign of psychological cruelty that no child should ever endure.

Instead of fostering his talent and well-being, Arsenal Academy has systematically frustrated him psychologically as a result of Joshua’s dad holding the academy accountable for its safeguarding failures.

Imagine a child, full of dreams, facing these horrors in a club that 3 generations of his family have supported; a club he is honoured to represent and looking forward to play for in the future. He has endured

 * Bullying and Intimidation: Weaponizing the Arsenal badge to intimidate both player and parent

 * Psychological Torture: A cruel cycle of selection and arbitrary deselection, using medical excuses as a cover-up, designed to erode his confidence and sense of belonging.

 * Isolation and Segregation: Deliberately isolating him from his peers, making him feel unwanted and under valued.

 * Disregard for His Wishes: A culture where coaches believe they can override a child's wishes, ignoring his fundamental right to be heard.

 * Unwarranted Financial Burden: Refusing to refund expenses incurred by parents for a trip Joshua was arbitrarily deselected from, prioritizing their bottom line and exhibiting lack of accountability and total disregard to parental rights.

 * Continued Aggression: even after a forced apology after much pressure from Joshua’s parents, the toxic environment continued, proving the apology was a tick in the box exercise.

This is not just a sports issue; it's a child protection crisis. Arsenal Academy's actions have caused Joshua immense psychological and emotional distress and he is relieved to be removed from the toxic environment by his parents. However Arsenal Academy is refusing to release him. They are demanding for compensation, thereby keeping a child in a limbo and denying him the opportunity to continue his academy journey elsewhere. They have shown a complete disregard for their duty of care, prioritizing their financial interests over the well-being of a child. This is akin to child slavery and must not be allowed.

We, the undersigned, demand:

 * Immediate and Unconditional Release: Arsenal Academy must immediately and unconditionally terminate Joshua's contract. He deserves to escape this toxic environment.

 * Accountability and Sanctions: Arsenal Academy must be held accountable for their actions. The Premier League must impose stringent sanctions to prevent this from happening to other young players.

 * Transparency and Reform: A thorough investigation into Arsenal Academy's safeguarding practices is essential. We need systemic reform to protect young athletes.

 * Full Reimbursement: Arsenal Academy must fully reimburse the unwarranted travel expenses caused by their actions.

Arsenal Academy cannot be allowed to hide behind its public image. They must face the consequences of their actions. We must stand together to protect Joshua and ensure that no other child suffers this cruelty.

Sign this petition to demand justice for Joshua and to hold Arsenal Academy accountable. Let's show them that we will not tolerate the exploitation and abuse of young talents. Let’s make Arsenal a safe place again!