Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka is proving that his impact goes far beyond the pitch. Hot on the heels of scoring the goal that sent Arsenal to the Champions League final, the 24-year-old winger made a surprise appearance at a local training session in north London to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the game: coaches.

Saka joined kids and coaches for an intimate session, offering tips and sharing his thoughts on the vital role coaching plays in football. "Not everyone’s path in football looks the same," he said. "And for many players who don’t go on to play professionally, coaching is a brilliant and rewarding way to stay involved."

During the visit, Saka met academy coach Ibrahim Fuad, whose own playing career was cut short. With funding from the Chase football coaching programme, Ibrahim earned his Introduction to Coaching Football qualification and has since launched his own academy. "It was really inspiring to meet Ibrahim and his team to hear about his journey and see the impact he’s having within the community," Saka added. "The Chase football coaching programme is so important; by expanding access to skills training and pathways into coaching, it’s helping to build positive role models for young people and inspire the next generation."

For Fuad, the programme was a lifeline. "Football has always been a huge part of my life, and when my playing journey came to an end, coaching gave me new hope," he explained. "It’s allowed me to help young players develop, not just as footballers, but as people. Having access to funded coaching qualifications through the Chase programme made that transition possible for me, and it’s something that can make a real difference for so many former players who still have so much to give back to the game."

Saka, who serves as an ambassador for the Chase programme, is helping to break down barriers for aspiring coaches across the UK. The initiative provides free access to coaching qualifications for individuals where cost is a barrier, and so far, over 7,000 coaches—including Fuad—have benefited from the scheme. It's a powerful reminder that the beautiful game thrives not just on the stars we see on matchday, but on the dedicated mentors shaping the next generation behind the scenes.