Collectors put their shirt on NMR partner CYP

When the No More Red Initiative launched in 2022 it sparked a great deal of interest amongst our legions of Arsenal kit fans around the world. 

The point of difference that the shirts would have to be earned before being added to a collection meant that getting hold of one would mean a different approach from normal shirt trading.

The Arsenal Shirt Collectors Group on Facebook took the opportunity to turn the appetite for these shirts into something positive and tangible to support No More Red and partnered with one of the nominated charities, Islington based Copenhagen Youth Project (CYP), to support them in their fundraising initiative – No More Red More Music. 

CYP had set an ambitious fundraising target of £20,000 to allow them to build a music studio for young people living in areas near Arsenal heavily impacted by knife crime. An initial target of £5,000 for the Arsenal Shirt Collectors was quickly passed as members came up with creative ways of raising money, including buying Dave Roberts, the group’s driving force, a virtual coffee in exchange for kit info from years gone by. Members also contributed a percentage of shirt sales, held pop-up shops and donated kit for CYP auctions.

The target increased as more and more members, spread right across the globe, invested in the charity and the great work they were seeking to do. More charity auctions, generous donations and fundraising meant that CYP were now well on the way to building the studio, and in 2024 they did exactly that. CYP not only got the studio up and running but used the donations to establish a music education and mentorship programmes for young people using the facility. The talent being nurtured was showcased at the Cally Festival in the summer.

But it hasn’t stopped there as the Shirt Collectors continue to raise funds to continue the CYP activity. A recent charity auction of match-worn kit by The Arsenal Shirt author James Elkin helped raise more essential funds over the festive period, and there is a charity half marathon for CYP planned by member Max Nicholson. 

Members continue to sell shirts and kit, contributing a percentage, and the coffees for Dave remain an invaluable way of keeping the total moving. Again, all with the support of Arsenal kit fans around the world who now feel attached to this charity in London N1. Members of the ASCG have a wide range of skills – aside from knowing everything about our kits down the ages! – and they are encouraged to reach out to CYP to offer whatever assistance they can to this fantastic project.

No More Red helped bring all this together and help build a partnership that continues to go from strength to strength. A £5,000 target was smashed and over £20,000 has now been raised and invested with more to come. There is still much to do in terms of more equipment and more investment needed in upskilling the young people at CYP. Not only are CYP helping young people stay safe but they are also helping build the stars of the music industry of tomorrow.

If you want to get involved with Copenhagen Youth Project, you can contact them.