In 2016, a coach at Arsenal Football Club noticed a troubling trend: frequent news reports about young local men dying from knife violence and suicide. Reflecting on these issues, he began open conversations with young men about their childhood experiences, touching on themes like absent fathers, gang culture, poverty, and mental health struggles. These discussions revealed deep, often painful feelings about the challenges of growing up in London.
When he posed the question, “What is your worst fear?” it seemed to unlock something in them. They started expressing their frustrations openly, shedding their defenses and welcoming the chance to speak honestly.
Separation
“Almost a decade ago, at 17, my greatest fear was ‘isolation,’ though I meant ‘solid,’ if that makes sense,” one young man shared.
Your project can last for a long time, as your fears change as you grow. They seemed so big back then, and now I see them differently. At one point, I was terrified of dying. That fear has shifted; now, my only worry is my daughter,” another participant reflected.
Alex, who was an A-level student when the image was captured, now works as a personal shopper. He reflected on those past experiences: “Thinking about the tragedies we’ve witnessed, I realize there’s so much uncertainty around the future and what happens to our loved ones after we’re gone.”
It’s broken, and I’m struggling to figure out my life,
shared Tommy, who revealed his difficulties.
My kids—I often feel like I’m failing them. My goal is to give them a better future,
admitted Deujean Bernard, a founder of a local soup kitchen who actively supports community initiatives.
Failure
Stazzy Stasopoulos, a Cyprus-born artist, reflected, “My fear of failure, which I expressed at the photo’s moment, still lingers. However, now I recognize my definition of success has evolved.” She went on to explain how losing her father changed her perspective on success and responsibility.
Die in vain
Ahmed Massoud, a Palestinian-British writer, expressed his fears, highlighting the harsh realities faced by his family in Gaza. “My worst fear is that all my hard work amounts to nothing,” shared Jay, a 19-year-old model, reflecting on the challenges in his community.
I lost my mother,
said Yucane Bezella, while Kenan Kián, a London-based artist, expressed his fear of losing music, which drives his creativity.
He is homeless, has given up on art, and struggles with the need to take on a “normal” job,
noted Zephryn Taitte, an actor hailing from Guyanese heritage.
The future generations are shaped by our indifference,
added Gabriel Spey, raising concerns about losing local sports facilities.
Now 25, Kachi noted, “We started our own sessions after many youth clubs were shut down. Arsenal’s community coach has been instrumental in supporting us.”
I’ll lose my heart,
expressed Mika, who has initiated community events aimed at uplifting those around him.
What I fear most is that my daughter will face the same struggles I did,
shared Josh Campbell, whose background in Archway has deeply influenced his commitment to youth empowerment.
