Arsenal news: Passenger writes song for Gunners fan on BBC Radio 2’s 21st Century Folk

If you’re looking for some music to add to your summer playlist, BBC Radio 2’s new programme 21st Century Folk has you covered.

The new series, which will air on Monday as part of The Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe, sees five renowned folk artists write and compose songs inspired by five people whose lives have been touched or transformed by sport.

Arsenal fan Victor Macauley, who was born in Sierra Leone before seeking a better life in England, has his story told through an original song written by artist Passenger.

Songwriter Mike Rosenberg, who also supports the Gunners, is best known for his 2012 hit Let Her Go, which reached number one in 16 different countries.

Victor’s Song explores personal experiences that have shaped his life, from being abducted, drugged and forced to fight against the government in his homeland at the age of six to experiencing homelessness in London as a teenager.

He continues to battle with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, but help from various charities, including Arsenal In The Community, has changed his life.

The charity gave him the opportunity to play weekly football and take part in a photography course, and now he works for a running charity and assists Arsenal’s official photographers when he isn’t being a fan in the stands.

Listen to 21st Century Folk on BBC Sounds