The Arsenal Foundation

The Arsenal Foundation support cycling charity

To kick off this season’s local giving, we surprised an Islington-based cycling charity with a donation that will fund their cycling sessions for the next year.





Pedal Power offer free adapted cycling sessions for people with learning and physical disabilities. They run their free weekly sessions around Emirates Stadium and Finsbury Park. The adapted bicycles give people the chance to enjoy the thrill of cycling, and in many cases they are able to learn how to cycle independently on two wheels.



The project meets hundreds of people every week. They are run by trainers who are specially trained to use and maintain the adapted bikes and their training has enabled some disabled people to gain a skill that can help them lead an independent life.



Last year, the Arsenal Foundation supported Pedal Power with a donation to build a new shelter for the adapted bikes, but this year the charity needed funds to keep their cycling sessions running at Emirates Stadium.



Club mascot Gunnersaurus visited them to surprise the trainers and participants with their new donation. He presented them with a framed shirt which read ‘Playing for Pedal Power’ on the back.



This was worn by Arsenal player, Gabriel, in a warm up at a dedicated matchday where the entire Arsenal squad donated a day’s wages to The Arsenal Foundation. The donations from the players and staff made it possible for The Arsenal Foundation to support so many local charities and projects this year.



Jo Roach, founder of Pedal Power said: "I was dreading having to tell people that we could not run these sessions anymore, but thanks to The Arsenal Foundation we are able to run these sessions for another year. Having Arsenal’s continued support is incredible.



"I set up Pedal Power as I have a daughter with learning difficulties, and she is a great cyclist. At Emirates Stadium people walk past us every week and see a positive reflection of disability. We love it here as it is a safe space and it’s inspiring for anyone, but especially local Arsenal supporters.:



The Arsenal Foundation supports a variety of local charities and projects every year.



To see more information on our local giving, click here.



For more information on Pedal Power, visit: https://www.pedalpowercc.org/