Octopus: 25 years of community cohesion
Arsenal works closely with the Octopus Community Network as part of the Arsenal and adidas No More Red campaign. As they celebrate their 25th birthday, they tell us what they do and how they continue to help community centres reach and support more young people
Making the most of local green space
Arsenal have helped to fund the Well Street Common Summer Festival. Organiser Kay Richardson tells us how our donation helped locals to have fun and reach new heights
In focus: Positive Futures
No More Red participant George reveals how our estate-based youth engagement programme helped him into coaching
“I just didn’t want to be here anymore”
Arsenal supporter Paul was in the crowd when we won at Tottenham earlier this season – and he knows that in any crowd, however jubilant, there may be people who are struggling like he was before he found James’ Place, a charity that offers life-saving help for men in suicidal crisis
In focus: Primary Stars/Girls Football Plus
The Premier League Primary Stars lunchtime club helps primary school children on and off the pitch, and ten-year-old Milica has made so much progress that she was invited to join our Girls Football Plus team
A free camp for local kids
Arsenal helped to fund a summer camp at Amberliegh, a local charity that educates the public in art and science. Akunna Nwanna-Skeete tells us how the money helped children have fun – for free
In focus: Employability Programme
Arsenal in the Community has been delivering education, employment and training programmes since the mid-1980s. Local youngster Kai is just one of the latest beneficiaries
“I can build the life I want”
Arsenal, alongside Islington Giving, have helped to fund a suicide prevention service at Body & Soul, a charity that addresses the life-threatening effects of childhood adversity in people of all ages. Andrea Esposito Diaz, Body & Soul’s Head of Fundraising & Partnerships, tells us about it
“We are giving girls a voice”
The Arsenal Foundation, in partnership with Islington Giving, has been supporting the Brandon Centre’s Arsenal Girls’ Kicks Programme since 2019, when it first started helping girls in Islington improve their wellbeing, mental and physical health through football. The Brandon Centre’s Clinical Director, Pavlos Rossolymos, tells us about the impact
In focus: The Club Link Project
The Club Link Project is an Arsenal in the Community initiative now in its second full season. It aims to inspire Arsenal Academy players to engage with our community programmes while playing a vital role in coordinating first-team player engagements and involving former players in community events
“I believe in community and cooperation”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Well Versed, a poetry and performance group for older people run by All Change Arts. Published poet Anthony M Baker tells us how it has enriched his life
In focus: Christmas Day at The Hub
Christmas can be a hard and sometimes lonely time for care leavers, which is why every year The Arsenal Hub opens its doors to care-experienced young people on Christmas Day
How art helps refugees rebuild
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund New Art Studio, a therapeutic art studio for refugees and asylum seekers based in London. Amir tells us how the therapy has helped him to rebuild his life
“I’ve always loved to cook”
Arsenal have helped fund the Community Brigade, a six-month training and work experience programme run by social enterprise Cook for Good open to people on or near the Priory Green Estate. Ijeoma Anyanwu tells us how she got involved and the difference it’s making to her future
In focus: New River College
Arsenal works with New River College to help students who are struggling in or have been excluded from mainstream education. Coach Aston tells us about Arsenal in the Community’s role…
A film club for older residents
Arsenal have helped to fund Emmanuel Film Club, a social cinema gathering for older residents held weekly at Emmanuel Hornsey Road Church. Club regular Anna tells us about it
In focus: Arsenal Amputee Football
How a special project for amputees has helped Sofyan, 16, rediscover his love for football and set him on a new path in life
Bringing joy to people with dementia
The Arsenal Foundation has helped fund Park Theatre’s Reminiscence Group for people with dementia. Stephen Whittle, 84, tells us how the sessions have helped him and his wife Brenda, 82, over recent years
A party to raise Foodbank funds
The Arsenal Foundation helped to fund a street party in Hungerford Road near Emirates Stadium this summer to raise money for Islington Foodbank. One of the organisers, Annette Witheridge, tells us about it
In focus: Women’s Beginners Football
Lifelong Arsenal fan Joy has been attending the Women’s Beginners Football sessions at The Arsenal Hub since they began in April – and now her daughter is a regular, too
Helping locals who lose loved ones
Arsenal have helped to fund north London’s CCIWBS Bereavement Service, which offers counselling for adults who have experienced loss. Counsellor David, who lives in Camden, tells us about their invaluable work
Kitting out Gillespie School
The Arsenal Foundation has helped nearby Gillespie Primary School buy new sports equipment and football kit. PE teacher Hassan tells us how it has helped children improve their skills and grow as individuals
In focus: Play Safe
As part of the FA’s Play Safe weekend, Arsenal in the Community is proud to champion safeguarding efforts in football. Our Play Safe weekend featured workshops for players, coaches and parents to focus on the importance of safeguarding within the sport, and Arsenal in the Community’s Football Plus programme is a shining example of how grassroots football can not only develop players’ skills but also create a positive, safe environment for young people
A food bank for the community
Arsenal have helped to fund the food bank at the Church of the Sacred Heart near Emirates Stadium. Volunteer and committee member Philip Ward tells us how the service has grown to help more people during difficult times
In focus: Shape Up
Two years ago Arsenal in the Community launched Shape Up, our weight-management programme specifically designed for men, and so far it has been a huge success. We hear from Alex, a 30-year-old Londoner, about how the programme has changed his life
“We need communities to work together”
Arsenal have helped to fund Celebrate Islington, a festival at the Islington Assembly Halls that aims to recognise the borough’s rich diversity. Among the performers on stage were Sally and Theresa, who tell us about the day and why it matters
Spreading smiles for poorly children
Arsenal have helped to fund Spread a Smile, a charity that provides hospital visits, outings and events for children and their families during long hospital stays. Mum Gemma tells us how they helped her whole family when her daughter Amelia, now 11, was fighting a brain tumour
“It isn’t just about winning”
Arsenal have helped to fund In Tune FC, a local football club supported by Cycling Club Hackney for people suffering from isolation or mental health issues. Co-founder Michelle Binney tells us how it has helped her and many others
Stephen Lawrence Day
April 22 is Stephen Lawrence Day, and the legacy of the teenager who was stabbed to death on this date in 1993 is kept alive by Arsenal’s No More Red charity partner The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation. Esther Ope Elias, aged 18, tells us how the foundation has inspired her to help change society
In focus: Women’s Walking Football
How Arsenal in the Community’s walking football sessions have helped Waruni get active again after cancer, make new friends and feel even closer to the club she loves
Making life easier for poorly children
Arsenal have helped to fund React, a charity working to improve the quality of life for terminally ill children living in financially disadvantaged households through the provision of essential equipment and aid. Conor O’Donnabhain tells us about their work
“Music brings positive benefits”
Arsenal have helped to fund Music in Hospitals & Care, a charity that brings live music to people in hospitals and other healthcare institutions. Sarah Northall tells us how the money has helped
In focus: Football Plus
Arsenal in the Community have recently launched an under-8s group for our Football Plus sport and education programme – and local youngster Zee is thriving at the sessions
In focus: Coach Development Programme
How Lilybelle, 19, is following her dream on the Arsenal in the Community Coach Development Programme
Tackling food poverty with Bags Of Taste
Arsenal have helped to fund Bags Of Taste, a social enterprise that tackles food poverty. Local resident Michael tells us how it has given him new-found confidence in the kitchen – and saved him money
In focus: The Arsenal Student
Ruby, 16 and from Hertfordshire, is learning new skills and gaining independence as an Arsenal Student. She tells us why studying here was the best choice for her
Local youngsters hit the slopes
Arsenal have helped Urban Hope, a local charity that provides drop-in sessions and support in schools for youngsters, send two youngsters to learn how to become ski/snowboard instructors. Urban Hope’s Mathew Barber tells us how it happened
In focus: Strength & Balance
How Gary, 74 and a former Arsenal steward, has benefitted from our Strength & Balance sessions as he adapts to life with Parkinson’s Disease
Helping older residents to see the sights
Arsenal have helped to fund St Luke’s Community History Group, which organises trips to landmarks and museums for older people. Local resident Jean Chapman tells us about some her personal highlights
In focus: Level 2 Sports Coaching
How Ellie, 16 and from Hertfordshire, is learning a host of new skills on our Level 2 NCFE Sports Coaching programme
Pedal Power at the Emirates
Arsenal help to fund Pedal Power, a north London cycling club for people with disabilities that runs sessions on the podium outside Emirates Stadium and in Finsbury Park. Nina tells us how the sessions helped her recover mentally and physically after a serious accident, and how she now volunteers for the club to give something back
In focus: Girls Kicks
Nearly half a million young people have benefited from the Premier League Kicks project – and one of them is Caroline, 14, from Camden. She tells us how Girls Kicks has helped her become more than just a better footballer
“It feels good that Arsenal cares”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund local charity Young & Inspired’s Flying Colours project, which helps disadvantaged young people deal with mental health challenges through art therapy. Jenny tells us about it
In focus: Kicks drop-in sessions
To mark the International Week of the Deaf, we find out how 11-year-old Sunny has grown on and off the pitch from taking part in our Premier League Kicks accessible drop-in sessions
How we’re helping children with trauma
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Family Futures, a not-for-profit adoption agency, fostering agency and therapy centre. Mum Amanda tells us how their work has helped her adopted children after a traumatic start to their lives
In focus: From pitch to stage
How Abdul has gone from the football pitch to the theatre stage thanks to a link-up between Arsenal in the Community’s Adult Learning Disability Football group and Islington’s Almeida Theatre
A star at the Special Olympics
Arsenal have helped to fund Safe Haven Basketball, an inclusive London-based basketball club for people of all abilities aged 14 to 25. Grace Colverd tells us about the club she founded with her mum and how it took her to Berlin for the Special Olympics this June
In focus: Women’s Walking Football
Over the course of the 2023/24 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out more about how Lola Young OBE plays a game she loves at the club she loves
In focus: Football Plus
How Antonio, 14, has grown in confidence and developed leadership skills alongside his football knowledge by taking part in Football Plus
Growing up with Arsenal Kicks
Alfie, 24, is from Islington and has come through various Arsenal in the Community projects to become a coach for Premier League Kicks. His journey has included many memorable moments and set him on a career path he feels truly passionate about.
In focus: Positive Futures
Over the course of the 2022/23 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out more about how Gabriel has grown closer to the club he loves through our Positive Futures programme
Helping the homeless through art
Arsenal have helped to fund the Museum Of Homelessness, a community-driven social justice museum created and run by people with direct experience of homelessness. Internationally award-winning artist, educator and activist David Tovey tell us how the charity has helped him
In focus: NCFE Level 2 Sports
Over the course of the 2022/23 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out more about how Rafael is living his childhood dream as he works towards a career in coaching
Helping an Arsenal fan with dementia
Arsenal have helped to fund WeSwim, a charity that delivers swimming sessions for people with physical and learning disabilities. Linda O’Leary reveals how the sessions have helped her husband, John, who is no longer as active as he once was since being diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy.
In focus: Premier League Inspires
Over the course of the 2022/23 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out more about how local youngster Jet has developed on the pitch and in the classroom – and met some Arsenal stars in the process
“The club is so much fun”
Arsenal have helped to fund Crown & Manor’s Junior Club for young boys aged seven and up. Artie, aged 11 from Islington, tells us about it
In focus: Gunners For Change
Over the course of the 2022/23 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out more about how Arsenal Women goalkeeper Kaylan Marckese has thrown herself into our programmes
In focus: Shape Up
Shape Up is a weight management programme for men that has already seen some impressive results since launching in September 2022. Here we find out how Kevin, 64, has not just shed weight but also felt re-energised by taking part
In focus: North London United
Over the course of the 2022/23 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out more about how Nyella has represented North London United, a football club for people with Down Syndrome, for a whole decade now
“We learned about consent”
Arsenal has helped to fund workshops by Let Me Know, an education charity that works with young people to prevent domestic violence, relationship abuse and sexual assault. Akos, 17, from Islington, tells us about the workshop he attended
“Fencing has helped me as a footballer”
Arsenal have helped to fund Fence Club 43, a club that delivers fencing classes for children both at its club based in Islington and within schools across London. Club regular Hugo, aged 11, tells us about it
Arsenal at the Amputee World Cup
Arsenal helped Helder Silva, one of our longest-serving Arsenal Amputee footballers, represent England at the Amputee World Cup. Here’s how he and the Three Lions got on…
In focus: Crisis at Christmas
Over the course of the 2022/23 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out more about how our work with Crisis helps people taking their first steps out of homelessness enjoy Christmas
Caribbean history comes to life
Arsenal have helped Sweet Patootoe Arts, a non-profit arts organisation that creates historical and contemporary films and documentaries around black heritage, launch a new project with the help of Mildmay Community Centre. Mildmay centre manager Teena Phillips tells us about it…
In focus: Premier League Kicks
Over the course of the 2022/23 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out more about how Ben has taken his first steps towards a career in coaching
“I was always chasing a win”
Arsenal have helped the Mossbourne Federation buy a new rowing boat for its pupils. Dedicated rower Danny Shaw tells us how it helped his training and more
In focus: Islington Borough Under-11s
Over the course of the 2022/23 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out more about how ten-year-old Holly has grown in confidence on and off the pitch by playing for our district team Islington Borough
Helping children walk tall
Arsenal have helped Richard Cloudesley School buy an Innowalk, a device that helps children with special needs including cerebral palsy walk in an upright position. Here we find out from the school how the machine has benefitted pupils in a variety of ways
In focus: Sports Science & Coaching
Over the course of the 2022/23 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out how Samantha has used our Level 3 Sports Science & Coaching course as a springboard to an exciting career in sport
“I’m proud that I've changed”
This summer Arsenal helped Rathbone Amateur Boxing Club deliver sessions to get youngsters in Camden active, and aspiring boxing coach GP was proud to deliver those sessions. “I was of no benefit to the community when I was younger, butI’m proud that I've changed,” he reflects
In focus: Arsenal Bowls
Over the course of the 2022/23 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out how Arsenal Bowls helped 68-year-old Ben recover from major heart surgery and how the friends he made at the club helped him through the pandemic
“Yoga helps mentally and physically”
Arsenal have helped Islington’s MahaDevi Yoga Centre create a fund for families in need to either subsidise their sessions or to offer the first three classes for free. Emma, from Camden, tells us how it has helped her daughter Tyler
In focus: Football Plus
How Saoirse, 11, has grown as both a player and a person from taking part in the Premier League Football Plus programme with Arsenal in the Community
“We support people to rebuild lives”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped Shelter From The Storm give homeless people a safe space to sleep in. General manager Matt Conlon tells us how…
In focus: Employment support
Over the course of the 2022/23 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out how Riley, 17, from Islington, is gaining new skills and greater confidence from our Employability programmes
“We rely on the support of Londoners”
London’s Air Ambulance delivers rapid-response care to critically injured people in London. Outreach manager Rhiannon tells us how The Arsenal Foundation and Arsenal in the Community have helped to fund the charity and engage local youngsters with its work
In focus: Young Leaders
How Mayowa, 15, from Hackney enrolled on the Premier League Kicks Young Leaders programme, and discovered there was far more to Arsenal than he realised
“I insist on enjoying the time I have left”
David Williams, 37, has terminal brain cancer – but refuses to bow to it. Here he reveals how he enjoyed a very special day at Emirates Stadium last season through the Willow Foundation, and how Eddie Nketiah and a Gunners legend made him both laugh and cry…
In focus: Amputee Football
Over the course of the 2022/23 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out more about how one very special project for amputees has helped Isaac enjoy football and taken his life in a new direction
Arsenal supporting foster carers
As part of a programme with Islington Council to support care-experienced young people, Arsenal in the Community is raising awareness of the need for foster carers across Islington. Foster carer Amanda tells us about the huge satisfaction she has experienced from helping children develop
“I’m very proud to represent Arsenal”
Jack is a 14-year-old from Islington who has enjoyed being part of the Community Programme Open Access drop-in sessions for half of his life – and he even gets to play for his favourite club
Arsenal help fund knife crime film
Arsenal helped to fund Ambitious Academy, a community mentoring and education programme based at the Elthorne Estate, make a film called Chance The Movie. Actor Daniel Phelan tells us about it – and you can watch the movie here
“To act as a mentor is a privilege”
Jamie is 23 and from north London. He has been an Arsenal Student, Gap Year Student and a Community Coach to complete the hat-trick! He tells us about his journey with the club
Helping girls with their mental health
Local mental health charity the Brandon Centre sends a psychotherapist to The Arsenal Hub one day a week for youngsters taking part in our Arsenal Girls Kicks programme. Pavlos Rossolymos, head of mental health at the Brandon Centre, tells us about it
“I couldn’t express my feelings”
Taylor is 14 and from Hackney. He has been part of our Advantage Mentoring Programme for six months and has taken huge strides in managing his emotions and forging new friendships
Great Ormond Street’s anniversary
The Arsenal Foundation helped to fund a new Lung Function Unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), which was opened by Arsène Wenger in 2012. We hear from two people with close links to the unit as it celebrates the tenth anniversary of its renovation – including mum Juliet
“It was a very challenging time”
Arsenal’s emergency Covid fund helped the Margins Project at Union Chapel to support homeless people during the pandemic. Volunteer Archie Powell tells us about the charity’s work
Kicking on to a Positive Future
Kai is 20 and from Islington. He’s a participant from our social inclusion programmes Kicks/Positive Futures and wants to talk about his Arsenal journey
Helping children deal with grief
CARIS Bereavement Service works with children who have lost a loved one, a programme known as Rucksack. Counsellor Maire Hemmingway reveals how she helps children come to terms with loss
“I’m really lucky to be able to come here”
D’Eric, from Islington, is 11 years old and has been a participant on the Holiday and Estates Double Club programmes for more than two years. He reveals how Arsenal has helped him polish his football skills, further his education and make lots of new friends
Helping to feed those in need
Arsenal’s emergency Covid fund helped The ARC Centre to set up a local food bank for those struggling during the pandemic. The charity’s creative director Damien Brown tells us how it was converted from community centre to food hub
A big STEP on and off the pitch
The Arsenal Foundation has helped fund STEP Football, a local team for adults with learning disabilities. Patrick Murphy is a long-standing regular who now does more than just play football…
“She is an inspiration to everyone”
Mary is a 79-year-old participant in our Health programme. The free sessions delivered by Arsenal in the Community and Islington Council are part of our Active Spaces programme, which gives local residents the opportunity to exercise with guidance from a qualified fitness and group exercise instructor
Off the streets and on the ball
Street Child United is a charity that connects street children by hosting international sporting events. Sam and Liya, from Islington, both took part in the Street Child World Cup – with Arsenal’s help
