Sam

[Zac Wilson @ZACWILSON_]

I’ve never spoken about this publicly, so bear with me.

But I want to articulate why this Premier League win for Arsenal isn’t ’just football’.

In July 2025, my son was born with a rare condition called CDH. It’s a hernia that forms in the diaphragm, which means that the major organs develop in the chest cavity.

This puts extreme pressure on the development of the lungs.

We were told throughout the pregnancy that he had a 30-40% chance of survival.

We had to wait until my partner gave birth to see whether he would make it or not.

He had life saving surgery on day 5 of his life - and we endured a 2 month stay in a hospital in London.

At times we were told that he might not make it through the night - but by the grace of god, and throughout a rollercoaster of ups and downs he survived the intensive care process.

During that time was the start of the Premier League season - and the one escape that I had was Arsenal football club.

We had been at hospital for a month, and hadn’t left the hospital grounds. We were there 24/7.

I felt so guilty leaving him, but made the choice to find a local pub and watch Arsenal’s season opening game against Man United. And for that 90 minutes, I was able to escape the pain and sadness.

Watching Arsenal become the one thing that helped me escape, even for just 90 minutes over the course of those few months.

We needed a name for my boy. Something to signify strength, courage and being brave hearted. We chose Leo.

He was born on the 19th July.

Leandro (Leo - number 19) Trossard’s goal against West Ham. That historic goal. Will forever live in a lot of people’s memories forever. For me, it felt like destiny.

Leo is now thriving. And in his first season as an Arsenal fan, he’s been spoilt.

Football means so much to all of us. This football club means so much to us. It’s more than just a game.

It shapes people’s lives, their character. It’s hope, it’s escape, it’s proof that hard work pays off.

Whatever your reason is for loving this club and loving football - enjoy every single second of this joy.

This one is for you, son.

🦁

[Redbridge Elite GK School @Robertl75784399]

@SamHeardyy Clean sheet Saturday 🥅🧤🧤⚽️ 👏👏👏👏

[Redbridge Elite GK School @Robertl75784399]

@SamHeardyy

[Free Agent Showcase @FreeAgentsFC]

Name: Sam Heard
Age: 29
Location: London | Sussex (Will Travel)
Position: GK
Previous Clubs: Thurrock, Barkingside, Ash United, East Preston, Cannons Wood

Level looking for: Step 6 or Above

[Sam @SamHeardyy]

Couple recent game clips 👐⚽

#FreeAgent

[Redbridge Elite GK School @Robertl75784399]

@benewingg What an fantastic opportunity may even get to learn from my mentor Bayzo 🥅🧤🧤⚽️

[Fc Baresi @Fc_Baresi]

In Yesterdays seven goal thriller at Wodson Park, this is how close we came to making it 3-3 with what would have been BOCO's hat-trick but for a super save from @CannonsWoodFC keeper Sam Heard. Less then 60 seconds later Cannons Wood went to the other end to make it 2-4

[Redbridge Elite GK School @Robertl75784399]

@SamHeardyy 👏👏🥅🧤🧤⚽️

[Redbridge Elite GK School @Robertl75784399]

Crowdfunding For Good From JustGiving https://t.co/4MbGpUyUl1

[Sam @SamHeardyy]

@oneguilly Followed

[Redbridge Elite GK School @Robertl75784399]

Retweet appreciated 🙏🏻

[Sam @SamHeardyy]

@RickyTakka Whole Pre-Season been a complete mess about mate😂 Been close to retiring several times

[Sam @SamHeardyy]

@RickyTakka It's going to be a mixed bag some Refs will use common sense others won't understand simply how to apply the rule correctly, and it's just down to lack of training/guidance provided on the new rule

[Hampton & Richmond Borough FC @hrbfc1921]

GK Signs!

Young 'keeper Max Spence has been added to Alan Julian's squad.

Read more about our new man between the sticks here:

https://t.co/D3SL0QCqYw

#HRBFC #Beavers Welcome @MaxSpence_05

[Sam @SamHeardyy]

Surely got to be @RickyTakka

[Sam @SamHeardyy]

Hey, @grok, who was the most famous person to visit my profile? It doesn't need to be a mutual, don't tag them, just say who it was.

[Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano]

🚨❤️🤍 The deal between Arsenal and Sporting for Viktor Gyökeres is now being sealed tonight with all parties involved.

After agent’s decision to reduce his 10% compensation, Arsenal will pay initial fee worth €63.5m plus €10m add-ons being completed.

Here we go, soon. ✅🔜

[Sam @SamHeardyy]

@GaryLeePierce Brilliant coach and an honest straight up person, any club would benefit massively bringing you onboard 👍

[Sam @SamHeardyy]

@billykempV2 Duos we absolutely batter these 🤣😭🤣

[Josh @joshpearson180]

2 minutes and 16 seconds of pure cinema

Incredible scenes 😭😭😭

[Sam @SamHeardyy]

@rawdon_john @FreeAgentsFC Thank you John!