Current Arsenal reserves captain Justin Hoyte is enjoying his new responsibility.
"We face a lot of older players who have a wealth of international and first-team experience. It helps me grow as a player to play against top players like that.
"As a captain it's my role to encourage the team in every way that I can.
"I can look back on the experience with the Carling Cup and England and pass it on.
"I really think we can do well this season. Definitely finishing near the top of the table is an aim and maybe even go on to win it. Hopefully we can keep the team spirit and make sure we are scoring goals and keep it tight at the back.
"Winning the Youth Cup can also be a target for us, but we have to keep our heads and not get to over confident about it. We do have a very young team here."
