The AFA accepted the request in 1952 so Arsenal made its debut that same year in Tercera de Ascenso (current Primera D). During its first tenure on the official football Arsenal totalized 16 points. In 1954 Arsenal promoted to Segunda de Ascenso division (current Primera C) along with arch-rival Sacachispas although the team had been finished 5th. That happened because Arsenal had requested AFA to play at a higher division due to its number of members and the stadium conditions, which fulfilled the conditions demanded by the Association. Some of the most notable players of the team promoted were Humberto Maschio, Vladislao Cap, Omar Sívori and Antonio Angelillo who would later win the 1957 South American Championship with the Argentina national team.