Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly inspires mum to help football’s next generation | OneFootball

Marcia Lewis, mother of Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, is on a mission to help parents navigate the world of youth football, using her own experience and learnings.

With no prior knowledge of the sport, she found herself thrown into a whirlwind of agents, sponsorship deals, and critical decisions about her son’s future.

Determined to change the game, Marcia immersed herself in the industry, earning a Master’s in football business and qualifying as an agent.

Realising that parents need support just as much as young players do, she launched No1Fan.club, a ground-breaking platform designed to guide families through the highs and lows of academy football, using the knowledge of those with first-hand experience.

Kate Iorpenda, whose sons Tom and George play for Huddersfield Town and Ipswich Town respectively, has since become involved in No1Fan.club, and joined Marcia in delivering their most recent workshop – ‘Thriving in the Academy System: The Parent Experience’ – which Hayters attended.

“No1Fan.club is an organisation and a platform that is really supporting parents who are navigating the intricacies and the complexities of the football industry,” Marcia explained. “The aims are about supporting and building a community of parents that can share experiences, learn from others and also bring industry professionals in on that to support them as well with guidance and wisdom about how to navigate the industry.”

Through resources, workshops and one-on-one sessions, No1Fan.club offers insights from those who have lived experience and Marcia hopes to help parents avoid the pitfalls that she encountered.

Following the recent workshop, one attendee said: “Two women, who are also mums, have navigated that system and come from a place of not knowing anything. They have worked their way through, whether that be educating themselves through a masters degree or through life experience, they have got so much to share and I think it’s just amazing.”

“I wish I had that when my eldest son was at the academy,” another parent said. “I had no idea what I was getting into.”

Another added: “I’m leaving feeling inspired and less overwhelmed about the things I don’t know. Even if I don’t know it all yet, I’ve got more of a chance now of understanding it and knowing that there is a resource out there.”

Declan Rice and Gabriel marvel as Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal celebrates

Marcia reflected on her son Lewis-Skelly’s journey, acknowledging the increasing challenges that come with success.

“Largely my journey with my son, Myles, has been an enjoyable one,” she said. “The higher he’s climbed up that football ladder, the more challenges that come into play.

“Especially around the business side of football and balancing education. It’s been important to start to understand as early as possible things that will make the journey just easier for him and easier for us.”

Myles has also seen the dedication his mother has put into learning about the industry, which has instilled in him a deep appreciation for the role of parents in an athlete’s success.

“Myles is so proud,” she added. “He’s seen the many nights I’ve been studying, doing my Master’s in football, and taking my agency exams. He knows the value of what we are doing because he has experienced the parents, family and wider circle support him and he’s not here by himself. He values that and wants other children to have that too.”

One parent said: “It’s wonderful to see just how Myles has progressed. But I think the one thing that I can say about Marcia and Myles is how humble they are. And for me, if I have to teach my son anything, it’s just to be humble – and I think he can learn a lot of that from Myles.”

With its growing impact, No1Fan.club is already becoming an indispensable resource for football parents, and Marcia has plans for continued growth, to reach as many parents as possible.