Alice Smith School Details Its Arsenal Football Development Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 October 2026. Alice Smith School in Kuala Lumpur set out on 30 September how its partnership with Arsenal Football Development will work for students, from coaching led by new Head of Football Chris Smith to a digital E-Academy, holiday camps in December 2026 and official team kits in 2027.

Arsenal Football Club announced in June that it had signed exclusive regional partnership agreements with Alice Smith School, the British School of Brussels and Braeburn International School in Nairobi, each the first in its region. The programme is delivered through Arsenal Football Development, the club's commercial coaching programme.

Leading the school's provision is Chris Smith, Head of Football. He began his coaching career with Arsenal Soccer Schools in Vietnam, then represented PSG Academy in India before working in the UK with professional clubs including Nottingham Forest, Lincoln City and Salford City. The school says he also launched a university football programme alongside Gary Neville and the Manchester United Class of 92, which went on to receive the British University and College Sport (BUCS) Outstanding Achievement Award. He holds UEFA B and FA Youth Award qualifications and an MSc from Loughborough University.

The school said the partnership adds another layer of expertise to its football programme, connecting students with the coaching methodology and player-development experience associated with Arsenal. Students can develop across technical ability, tactical understanding, decision-making, movement and teamwork, and the programme recognises that children develop at different rates.

“Arsenal's Foundation work, their coaching excellence and the incredible rise of the women's game make this partnership a perfect fit for our community in Kuala Lumpur.”

Dr John Knight, Head of School, Alice Smith School, at the signing of the partnership in June

Four elements are planned for families. The Arsenal E-Academy is a digital learning platform within the Football Development Programme, with interactive training modules, tactical breakdowns and skill-building drills created by UEFA-qualified Arsenal coaches. The Arsenal coaching curriculum is built on the 'Strong Young Gunner' model, which has four pillars: Effective Team Player, Efficient Mover, Lifelong Learner and Champion Mentality.

Arsenal Holiday Football Camps will bring official Arsenal Football Development coaches from London to the school grounds in December 2026 for players of all abilities, with further details to follow. Students will also play in official Adidas x Arsenal teamwear, which the school said will be launched in 2027.

The school stressed that the programme is not only about elite players. It is intended to give students who dream of playing professionally a foundation for further development, and students who simply love football a positive place to improve their skills and build friendships.

About Alice Smith School

Alice Smith School is a British international school at 2 Jalan Bellamy in Kuala Lumpur, with about 1,450 students from nursery to Sixth Form.

What this means for families

For families in Kuala Lumpur, the announcement sets out what the Arsenal partnership means in practice: a dedicated Head of Football, a digital platform for training, holiday camps with visiting coaches and a clear timetable for the camps and the team kits. Parents of students who play football can see how the programme is structured for different levels.

Parents comparing schools in the city can browse the best international schools in Kuala Lumpur.

You can contact Alice Smith School here.