Kerrie Robbins (Steward Training and Recruitment Manager)

What was your very first role at the club and what attracted you to working at the club in the first place?

I started at the club as a Casual Matchday Steward in 2006. I still remember how excited I was when my mum showed me the job advert. At the time, I was studying at university in London and was keen to gain new skills and prove I was employable.

I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do as a long-term career, but Arsenal’s reputation spoke for itself. I was eager to be part of such a respected club in any way I could, and the opportunity to work in such a unique and exciting environment really appealed to me.

Can you talk us through your journey from Casual Matchday Steward to Steward Training and Recruitment Manager?

I started as a Casual Matchday Steward and progressed through a number of roles, including Deputy Steward, Supervisor, Function Steward and Matchday Steward Assessor. Each step of the journey allowed me to build new skills, further develop existing ones, and take on increasing responsibility while supporting others in their development. The experience I gained not only supported my development within Arsenal but also strengthened my passion for working with people.

Alongside this, I pursued a career in education, gaining qualifications and teaching for over 15 years. Three years ago, I had the opportunity to bring both pathways together by stepping into my current role as Steward Training and Recruitment Manager. This has allowed me to combine my passion for teaching with my experience in Stewarding, which has been incredibly rewarding.

What skills did you develop while working as Casual Matchday Steward that helped you progress?

I developed a wide range of skills as a Steward, but the ones that have had the biggest impact on my career are communication, confidence, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Working in a matchday environment teaches you how to adapt quickly, manage challenging situations, and interact effectively with a wide variety of people-skills that are transferable to so many different roles.

What makes our club a good place to build a long-term career?

Arsenal genuinely values its people and invests in their development. The club’s values are embedded in everything we do, and there is a real culture of support and collaboration. There is a strong sense that people will go the extra mile to help one another, and that creates a positive and inclusive environment. It may sound simple, but it really does feel like a family, and that is what makes it such a great place to build a long-term career.

What would you say to someone starting out as a Casual today?

Take every opportunity that comes your way, you never know where it might lead. What started for me as a way to earn extra money during university eventually became my full-time career.

Be curious, ask questions, and take the time to learn from those around you. I made a conscious effort to shadow experienced colleagues and learn from different approaches, which helped me develop my own style.

If you stay open to learning and make the most of every shift, the opportunities really are there, the world is your oyster.

In one sentence, how would you sum up your journey at our club?

An incredible journey of growth and opportunity that began with taking a chance on a Casual role and has become a career I’m genuinely proud of-and I’m not done yet.