We came through Arsenal’s academy and are part of top sporting family – now we’re making our own way in EFL and Scotland

9 months ago 69

BROTHERS Ben and Max Sheaf came through Arsenal’s academy but are now progressing their careers elsewhere.

Midfielder Ben, 26, played twice for the Gunners in 2017, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 League Cup win over West Ham and a 1-0 Europa League victory against Red Star Belgrade.

But they ended up being his own appearances for Arsenal‘s first team as he was farmed out on loan to Stevenage and Doncaster.

A third loan spell saw him move to Coventry during the 2020/21 campaign, a switch that was made permanent the following summer.

He has gone on to rack up 100 appearances for the Championship outfit, scoring nine goals.

And he has already played 22 league matches this season as Coventry sit just four points adrift of the play-off places.

Meanwhile, Ben confirmed back in 2016 that his younger brother Max, now 23, “will find out soon if he gets offered a place in the Arsenal Academy”.

However, after playing for the Gunners’ U16s side, he ended up leaving for Hull in 2018.

The midfielder made his Championship debut with the club but only accumulated six appearances across three seasons as he was loaned to Cheltenham and Torquay.

Then, in 2021, he signed for non-league side Gloucester City, before he moved on to Redditch United in 2022.

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But last summer he penned a two-year deal with Scottish Premiership side Ross County and he is earning game time with the top-flight club.

Max has played in 10 league matches, starting five, but is yet to register a goal contribution.

Ben and Max come from a family with a tremendous amount of sporting pedigree.

Their mum, Mandy, was a top level volleyball and beach volleyball player, while brother, Jake, has followed in her footsteps as a volleyball player and Sky Sports mentor.

Their dad, Stuart, also played football at county level.

And Ben revealed eight years ago that his family’s impressive resume in sport was helping him to succeed.

He told the Arsenal club website: “I come from a sporty family which has helped me to be disciplined and focused.

“I enjoyed all manner of sports, but football was my passion.”