Meet New River College
New River College is a specialist school in Islington dedicated to supporting young people, many of whom have complex needs, including special educational needs, traumatic life experiences, and are vulnerable to exploitation and gang involvement. The staff at New River College provide a safe and nurturing learning environment, offering a broad curriculum to help students reach their full potential. Through a combination of academic and vocational subjects, the school equips students with the skills, qualifications, and confidence needed for future success. New River College and Arsenal have worked closely for over fifteen years to support young people in accessing school, developing football skills, and helping students make positive life choices. The school's commitment to its students has been monumental in developing confident learners, ready to thrive and lead healthy and safe lifestyles.
Meet Emmanuel
Emmanuel has been an invaluable asset to the Brickworks Community Centre. Initially a student himself, he returned as a volunteer after aging out of the program, demonstrating his commitment to the community. His leadership skills shone through immediately, and Emmanuel not only continues to assist staff effectively but has also become a positive role model for younger students.
He possesses a unique ability to connect with children from vulnerable backgrounds, providing much-needed support and guidance. Emmanuel's patience, empathy, and encouragement have been instrumental in helping these children develop improved communication, concentration, and social skills. Beyond his work with individual students, Emmanuel has also played a vital role in fostering a positive and inclusive community within the After School Club. His leadership has encouraged other students to participate actively and support one another. Emmanuel embodies the values of compassion, leadership, and dedication, and he continues to make a significant difference in the lives of the children at Brickworks Community Centre.
Meet Sharley
Sharley is the driving force behind the NW5 Community Play Project, serving as the Youth Centre Manager, fundraiser, chief executive, mentor, and role model for countless young people. NW5 Project is more than just a centre; it's a safe haven where young people can be themselves, build confidence, develop friendships, and find a sense of belonging.
Sharley's dedication to the community extends far beyond her managerial duties. She is constantly seeking new opportunities for the centre, such as trips, football, art classes, cooking workshops, and educational programs. Her tireless efforts have secured a 7-year unrestricted funding partnership with Camden Council, ensuring the centre’s long-term sustainability. Sharley's empathetic approach to working with young people has fostered a deep sense of trust within the community. Her genuine and open nature creates a safe space where young people feel supported and understood, regardless of their challenges. Sharley's commitment to the community and her ability to connect with young people make her an invaluable asset to NW5 and Camden.
Meet Patrick
Patrick has been a driving force within the Copenhagen Youth Project, consistently immersing himself in creative endeavours well beyond expectation. His passion for art and design has significantly shaped CYP’s projects, inspiring other young people to explore their own creative outlets. Over the years, he's played a pivotal role in developing graffiti, mural, and film projects, demonstrating a keen interest in expanding CYP’s offerings to include fashion-focused initiatives, particularly upcycling.
Patrick's dedication to CYP is evident in his recent work on the design for their Youth space which will be opening in January 2025. He's led the recruitment of a team of young artists to collaborate on this exciting project, fostering a sense of community and shared creativity. Additionally, he's part of a selected group tasked with designing a new music project that will showcase the talents of up-and-coming musicians.
Patrick's infectious enthusiasm and innovative ideas have been a source of inspiration and his commitment to empowering young people and fostering a vibrant artistic community is truly commendable.
Meet Will
Will has been a driving force in grassroots football for decades, starting with his work at Copenhagen Youth Project and Fitzrovia Youth in Action, as well as years in sports development with Camden Council. Since the inception of the Regent’s Park Youth League in 2000, Will has been a cornerstone of the league, providing thousands of children and young people with invaluable opportunities to play football and develop their skills.
His commitment goes far beyond just organising matches. Will has dedicated himself to coordinating tournaments, events, and training courses for both coaches and referees, ensuring that the league not only continues to grow but also nurtures the development of everyone involved. His passion for football is deeply tied to his love for Arsenal, and he has consistently championed Arsenal in the Community, supporting various initiatives throughout the years. Will continues to work closely with Arsenal in the Community to expand the girls' game locally, and his leadership and support has been instrumental in driving this effort forward. His contributions to grassroots football have been extraordinary and wide-reaching.
Meet Mehmet
With over 19 years of experience in community development, Mehmet is deeply committed to fostering community engagement and expanding access to sports. A passionate advocate for youth empowerment, Mehmet has developed strong expertise in collaborative program management throughout his career. Mehmet's passion for sport stems from his own experience as a 7-year-old immigrant arriving in Seven Sisters, where he struggled to find his place due to language barriers. However, sport became his refuge, a space where he felt a sense of belonging and at home.
Today, Mehmet works as a Community Sports Manager at the Access to Sports Project, collaborating closely with partners like Arsenal in the Community to ensure young people have the opportunity to build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. Access to Sports operates across Islington, Hackney, and Haringey.
In this role, Mehmet is committed to creating opportunities for young people, providing work for aspiring coaches, training the next generation of sports coaches, and partnering with other organisations to ensure the best outcomes for the young people they work with. In addition to his role at the Access to Sports Project, Mehmet also serves on the board of trustees for Finsbury Park Sports Partnership, further demonstrating his dedication to community development and sports advocacy.
Meet Mitchelle
A dedicated community pillar, Mitchelle Greenaway generously gives her time, skills, and energy to support those in need. As co-founder of Jigsaw-GC CIC and founder of REM Wellbeing Counselling Service, Mitchelle has made a significant impact on countless lives through her volunteer work and advocacy. With over 16 years of experience in the education sector, Mitchelle has worked extensively with young people and families, offering mentorship, life coaching, and psychotherapy.
As a wellbeing facilitator, she provides compassionate support with a non-judgmental approach. As an accredited psychotherapist with the National Counselling Society, Mitchelle has spent the past six years offering therapy to adults, children, and families through her own company, Jigsaw with a focus on both immediate needs and long-term emotional and psychological well-being. Beyond her private practice, Mitchelle continues to serve as a full-time therapist, social-emotional and wellbeing practitioner, and behavioural teacher across London. Her unwavering dedication to supporting young people helps them navigate the complexities of life and education. Mitchelle's contributions to the community are invaluable. She has touched countless lives through her volunteer work and advocacy, always going above and beyond to ensure everyone receives the support they need. Her commitment to the well-being of others, coupled with her extensive experience and professional expertise, makes her a beacon of hope and a true asset to the community.
Meet Steven
Steven is the founder of Sports and Life Skills, a community-led initiative dedicated to teaching children valuable life lessons through engaging sports activities. Based at the Mayville Estate, the latest community pitch to be refurbished through the No More Red campaign, Steven has positively impacted hundreds of local youngsters by offering free and accessible sports sessions over the last eight years.
A lifelong Islington resident, Steven's personal experiences inspired him to help young people make positive choices. With over a decade of coaching experience, he's committed to making sports accessible to all, and instead of charging for his services, Steven works closely with the council to ensure funding. Each week, the sports sessions are themed around a different life skill, such as stress management, teamwork, and inspiration. Steven’s initiative provides a safe and stimulating platform for children and parents to interact with other families within the community. Beyond Sports and Life Skills, Steven is an experienced tutor and mentor, and he also serves on the board of the local community centre.
Meet Ellen
Ellen, a former Arsenal Ladies player and England international, has made a significant impact both on and off the pitch. During her playing career she won numerous accolades and her experience as a top-level player has greatly influenced her approach to coaching and mentoring the next generation of footballers.
As Director of the London Football School, an FA Accredited Grassroots club in North London, Ellen is dedicated to providing high-quality football coaching and development opportunities for young people. With a focus on inclusivity and community engagement, LFS works with hundreds of children each year, helping them develop their football skills, foster a love for the game and create a safe and positive environment where young people can grow, learn, and enjoy the sport, regardless of their background.
Recently awarded the Lionesses Award for her outstanding contribution to the development of the women’s and girls’ game, Ellen's commitment to empowering young girls through football is evident in everything she does. She has worked closely with Arsenal in the Community on various initiatives to increase playing opportunities for young girls in Islington and beyond, making football more accessible and inclusive for all. In addition to her work with London Football School, Ellen also manages the Islington Girls District sides, where she continues to inspire and nurture young talent.
Meet Tunde
Tunde’s association with Arsenal started 40 years ago when he represented Islington & Camden, who were closely linked with the club. He started his first soccer school back in 1995 from the Sobell Sports Centre and wanted to use sport to bring together young people from different social, racial and financial backgrounds giving them shared positive experiences. Clare Wheatley gave him his first official role with the club, managing a girl’s side in 1996 that included an 11-year-old Lianne Sanderson, and he went on to coach the boys’ 9-16 age groups for many years.
Since then, Tunde has engaged tens of thousands of young and not-so-young people in the community. He is also involved with the Twinning Project, a program designed to give prisoners an equivalent FA Level 1 qualification, skills that are transferable upon release and guidance to make different choices for a better future.
Meet Zak
Zak is a youth worker and community leader who has spent 15 years empowering disadvantaged young people in Islington by engaging them through football, helping them secure employment, education and training, and advocating for those facing school exclusions. Becoming a certified football coach at 16 allowed him to enter youth work and use football as a tool to steer young people away from serious youth violence and substance misuse. He is a prominent figure within the Somali community in Islington and stands as a source of support and strength for young people.