In August 2016, Arsenal Football Club became the first Premier League football club to launch a fully interactive children’s app specifically for its young supporters.
Young fans globally can join a virtual Arsenal world and play a host of fun and educational games. They start by creating their very own Arsenal avatar from over 174 customisation options.
One of the app’s most popular games is ‘Pocket Player’, featuring digital avatars of Arsenal first-team and Arsenal Ladies players voted into the game by the young supporters themselves. These ‘pocket players’ live in four areas within a virtual Arsenal world; the changing room and pitch at Emirates Stadium, the canteen and a bedroom. The aim of this game is to teach kids how to live healthy as football player e.g. by keeping fit, healthy and rested. The different games within Pocket Player also enhance coordination skills.
Children can also play Squad Boss where they manage their very own six-a-side Arsenal team throughout the season and compete against their friends. There are trophies to be won by completing challenges in both of these games and other areas of the app.
All the games aim to educate children and help them develop new skills.