Camden (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Kentish Town celebrates the reopening of the Peckwater Estate sports pitch, refurbished by Arsenal and Adidas as part of their No More Red anti-violence campaign.
Residents, the Camden Council Leader, and council members attended Arsenal in the Community to commemorate the pitch’s official opening. The day featured a number of events, such as a football game with neighborhood kids and teens and a special visit from Gunnersaurus, Arsenal’s adored mascot.
By establishing more safe spaces and providing them with chances and role models, No More Red was established in 2022 to further the club’s long-standing efforts to protect young people from the risk of knife crime and youth violence.
This is the first Camden pitch to be renovated as part of the campaign. Arsenal in the Community is celebrating its 40th year this year, and throughout that time, the department has worked to foster a sense of community by implementing programs that address local needs.
With its newly renovated surface, goalposts, and enhanced lighting, the sports pitch offers a secure area for kids, teens, and locals of all ages to stay active, have fun, and socialize.
Thanks to the kind donations from Adidas, Arsenal, and the Kentish Town District Management Committee (DMC), the community is now able to utilize the pitch to its full potential.
Arsenal in the Community is also set to restart their free weekly football training, which is run alongside regular sports and wellbeing sessions for people of all ages led by local Camden 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 District Management Committee and the NW5 project for making this happen.”
Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali, Cabinet Member for Better Homes said:
“This project is a powerful example of how working together towards shared missions can create meaningful change for our communities. Thanks to funding from Arsenal, adidas and the Kentish Town District Management Committee, the pitch has been given a new lease of life and is ready to be enjoyed by the community again – this is an amazing moment for the estate and local residents.”
Jane McWilliams, Chair of the Kentish Town District Management Committee said:
“The importance of projects such as this one should never be underestimated. Not only does it provide a safe space for young people to improve both physical and mental health – but sport is also an essential way of breaking down barriers and, builds cohesion within communities. Well done to all who worked hard to make this happen.”
What community activities are now available after the sports pitch reopening?
Free weekly football training sessions will be restarted by Arsenal in the Community, providing regular opportunities for local youth to train and play football.
Regular sports and wellbeing sessions are offered for people of all ages, led by the local community group the NW5 Project. On the reopening day, activities included a football match involving local children and young people.
The refurbished pitch serves as a safe and attractive space for children, youth, and residents to stay active, have fun, and connect socially.
These activities are part of Arsenal and adidas’ “No More Red” campaign focused on creating safe spaces and promoting physical and mental health, while also supporting the community’s wellbeing and cohesion.