After a football career that saw him excel in the Premier League and represent the Republic of Ireland, Harry Arter seemed poised for a quiet retirement in Dubai. But life had other plans. Instead of settling into leisure, Arter finds himself back on the pitch, competing for Precision Football in the UAE’s third-tier league while juggling a demanding role with Wasserman, the agency managing elite players like Steven Gerrard and Federico Valverde.
The story of Arter’s transition from top-flight football to grassroots development is as inspiring as it is unexpected, driven by his enduring passion for the game and a desire to give back to the sport that shaped him.
A New Chapter in Dubai
Earlier this year, Arter relocated to Dubai with retirement in mind. But a combination of his love for the game and an exciting opportunity with Precision FC drew him back. Arter now balances playing as often as his body permits with his role at Wasserman, which recently took him on back-to-back trips to Saudi Arabia.
Even after a red-eye flight, Arter’s commitment to football shines through. Whether it’s mentoring players or taking the field, his work ethic mirrors the tenacity that defined his playing career.
“There’s a lot of good agents and a lot of bad ones,” says Arter. “I’ve seen both sides of the spectrum, and that side of football is something I’ve been passionate about for years. It’s about learning, growing, and finding ways to contribute positively.”
Precision FC: A Club on the Rise
Precision FC, founded as a community football hub in a Dubai shopping mall, has quickly transformed into a competitive team. Under the leadership of Sonny Cobbs, a former pro turned coach, the club has enjoyed rapid success, winning promotion in its debut season.
Now aiming for back-to-back promotions, Precision FC boasts a unique blend of youth and experience. Alongside Arter, the squad features former Premier League talents like Ravel Morrison and Matty Lowton, creating a rare opportunity for young players to learn from seasoned professionals.
“Sonny has a great vision for the club,” Arter says. “Precision is facing the challenges that come with being a new team, but it’s exciting to be part of something so ambitious.”
Lessons from Bournemouth’s Fairytale Rise
For Arter, the Precision FC project evokes memories of his time at Bournemouth, where he played a central role in the club’s improbable ascent from League 1 to the Premier League under Eddie Howe.
“Eddie wasn’t the manager he is now, but his ambition was clear,” Arter recalls. “When I joined, we shared the dream of reaching the Premier League, and it became a perfect match. The journey we had was incredible—rising from League 1 to the Premier League without huge finances. That kind of story is rare in football.”
Arter’s experience under Howe, now Newcastle United’s manager, shaped not only his career but also his outlook on leadership and player development.
“Eddie helped me grow as a player and as a person. That philosophy of hard work, belief, and development is something I try to instill in others.”
Mentoring the Next Generation
One of Arter’s primary roles at Precision FC is guiding young players who, like him, have faced setbacks in their careers. Whether recovering from injuries or dropping down from higher leagues, these players benefit from Arter’s firsthand understanding of resilience and perseverance.
“Dealing with disappointment and rebuilding confidence is tough,” Arter says. “I’ve been there, and I want to help these players navigate those challenges.”
For Cobbs, having professionals like Arter in the squad is invaluable. “These players want to give back,” Cobbs says. “They’re not just here to play—they’re here to mentor, guide, and inspire.”
A Shared Vision
Arter and Cobbs’ paths first crossed 15 years ago when they played non-league football at Welling United. While Cobbs transitioned into coaching and founded Precision FC, Arter climbed the ranks to the Premier League, earning 19 international caps along the way.
Now reunited, their shared vision is propelling Precision FC forward, blending grassroots passion with professional ambition. For Arter, this chapter in Dubai is as fulfilling as his days in England’s top flight, proving that football’s magic lies not just in where you play, but how you contribute.
Precision FC’s journey has only just begun, and with Harry Arter leading by example, the club is poised to make its mark on UAE football.
Harry Arter’s journey from Bournemouth to Precision FC is a story of passion and purpose. By channeling the spirit of Eddie Howe’s successful blueprint, Arter is helping Precision FC dream big and aim high. For fans and players alike, the rise of Precision FC offers a glimpse of what’s possible when talent meets vision, and when experience guides ambition.
The future is bright for this “club on the rise,” and with Harry Arter leading the charge, the sky’s the limit.
