On Monday, July 4, Arsenal in the Community joined residents, the Leader of Camden Council and councillors to mark the official opening of the pitch. There were a range of activities on the day including a football match with local children and young people, as well as a special appearance from Gunnersaurus.

This marks the first pitch in Camden to be refurbished as part of the campaign, as Arsenal in the Community celebrates its 40th year in operation this year – during which time we have sought to create a sense of belonging through programmes designed to respond to the needs of the local area. It follows pitches refurbished in the Mayville, Harvist and King Square Estates in Islington.

The revamped sports pitch now has a brand-new surface, goalposts and improved lighting, providing a safe space for children, young people and residents of all ages to stay active, have fun and connect.

Arsenal in the Community is also set to restart its free weekly football training sessions through Premier League Kicks. Funded by the Premier League via the Premier League Charitable Fund, Premier League Kicks harnesses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential in some of the most high-need areas across England and Wales. Alongside this, regular sports and wellbeing sessions for people of all ages are delivered by local community group, the NW5 Project.

Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, said, “I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to open this refurbished pitch alongside local residents and families. Spaces like this are vital to communities – helping people to stay active and healthy while offering an opportunity for people to get together and have fun in a safe space. A huge thank you to the local community, Arsenal, adidas, the local DMC and the NW5 project for making this happen.”

Freddie Hudson, Head of Arsenal in the Community, said, “We're proud to reopen our fourth pitch we've renovated with adidas, and our first in Camden through our No More Red campaign.

“Football pitches like this provide important spaces for our community. They can help keep young people safe, connect them with important trusted role models and offer wider opportunities. Creating a sense of belonging is so important in our communities, as we aim to raise aspirations and drive social outcomes.

“This has been at the heart of everything we’ve worked towards over the past 40 years of Arsenal in the Community and will continue to be our aspiration for the future, working closely with partners like adidas and our local authorities to drive progress.”

Sharley Newitt, Project Manager at the NW5 project, said, “The refurbishment of the Peckwater sports pitch is more than just a new surface – it’s an investment in the wellbeing of our children, young people and their families. It creates a safe, inspiring space where community can thrive, confidence can grow and futures can be shaped through sport and connection. I’m enjoying seeing so many people using and enjoying the space so far and all the fun programmes and events to take place in the future for the community.”

This work is part of We Make Camden, a borough-wide vision for the future of the borough developed with residents, communities and partners and includes four We Make Camden Missions. The refurbishment of this sports pitch is an example of what can be achieved through this partnership work and supports Camden’s Young People and Estates and Neighbourhoods Missions.