Kane Reed (Tour and Museum Team Leader)
-
If you’re passionate, reliable, and willing to learn, a Casual role can open doors you might not expect. I started at Arsenal with the view of doing this job for approximately 12 months and almost 12 years on, I’m still here!
Kane Reed
Life at Arsenal For Kane
What was your very first role at our club and what attracted you to working here in the first place?
My first role at the club was as a Casual Tour and Museum Host, welcoming visitors from all over the world to Emirates Stadium and sharing the history of a club I’d supported for as long as I can remember. A typical day involved engaging with supporters in various positions along the tour route and museum, answering questions, taking photographs, and helping bring Arsenal’s story to life for fans of all ages.
As a lifelong Arsenal fan, working at the club felt incredibly special. I’d grown up with my father regularly taking me to matches at Highbury, going to the parades in 98, 02 and 04, learning the history, and admiring the values the club stands for. Being able to represent Arsenal in person was a dream come true and something that I am extremely proud of. The most satisfying part of the job is seeing the supporter’s excitement and how much Arsenal means to people around the world.
Can you talk us through your journey from Casual Tour and Museum Host to Tour and Museum Team Leader?
Through my Casual role, I learned the day‑to‑day running of the tours and the museum operation, and built my confidence interacting with colleagues and supporters. Over time, I took on more responsibility and became a Deputy, supported newer Hosts, and became trusted to lead a wide range of tours and experiences.
I actively looked for opportunities to develop, whether that was volunteering to cover shifts at short notice, learning more about operations behind the scenes, building our very first museum archive from scratch, or asking Managers how I could progress. Through internal opportunities and the support of colleagues, I was able to move into a more senior position, eventually becoming the Tour and Museum Team Leader. In my current role, I oversee daily operations, support and develop the team, and ensure every visitor leaves with a memorable and positive experience of our club.
What skills did you develop while working as Casual Tour and Museum Host that helped you progress?
The role helped me develop strong communication skills, as well as confidence speaking in front of large groups of people. It also taught me the importance of being proactive, adaptable and how to remain calm and professional in busy, high‑pressure environments.
Working closely with different teams across the stadium gave me a strong understanding of the club environment. Teamwork, reliability, and attention to detail were skills I used every shift, and they became essential as I progressed into leadership roles.
What makes our club a good place to build a long-term career?
Arsenal is a club that truly values its people. I’ve always felt supported by Managers and colleagues who want you to succeed and are willing to help you develop. There are clear opportunities to progress internally, and Casual roles are treated as genuine stepping stones for career progression.
There’s also a strong sense of pride and belonging that comes with working here. Everyone shares a passion for our club and its values, and that creates an environment where people are motivated to do their best. Being a part of something so meaningful, both to fans and to the wider community, is what has made me want to grow my career here.
What would you say to someone starting out as a Casual today?
Be yourself, bring plenty of enthusiasm, have a willingness to learn, be open to taking additional shifts and be a reliable and hardworking employee. Ask questions, learn from those around you, and say yes to opportunities whenever you can, they’ll be plenty of them.
If you’re passionate, reliable, and willing to learn, a Casual role can open doors you might not expect. I started at Arsenal with the view of doing this job for approximately 12 months and almost 12 years on, I’m still here! It’s an amazing way to get your foot in the door and start building a long‑term career at Arsenal.
In one sentence, how would you sum up your journey at the club?
From fan to Host to Leader, a journey driven by passion, opportunity, and pride in representing the club I love!