Camden (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Camden Council joins Adidas and Arsenal to refurbish community football pitch in Peckwater Estate, boosting sports facilities through the No More Red campaign.
In order to create a safe area for the neighborhood to play football and socialize, the renovation will include resurfacing the field, installing new goalposts, and upgrading the lighting.
As part of No More Red, which was first introduced in 2022 to support and expand on 40 years of Arsenal in the Community’s work to help keep young people safe from knife crime and youth violence, they and Adidas are renovating the first sports pitch in Camden and the fourth in north London.
It centers on renovated pitches in Islington’s Mayville, Harvist, and King Square Estates.
Arsenal in the Community will also conduct weekly football sessions, offering training to local kids and youth, as well as safe locations and access to reliable role models for youth.
Our first economic and social impact report was just released, and it revealed that they reach 5,000 people weekly, deliver 140,000 hours of community service each season, and illustrate how they collaborate with partners to foster a sense of community and promote advancement in local communities and beyond.
These sessions will be held along with other ongoing initiatives by partners, such as the NW5 Project, which regularly hosts wellness and sports programs for individuals of all ages.
Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Arsenal and the local District Management Committee (DMC), who are providing vital funding to refresh this sports pitch – this will make a huge difference for the local community.
We’re proud to be home to many Arsenal supporters – and this investment will help bring the community together and hopefully nurture the talent of players in the future.”
Freddie Hudson, Head of Arsenal in the Community, said:
“We’re proud that our partnership with adidas has resulted in a fourth pitch being refurbished in north London, working alongside Camden Council for the first time as part of No More Red.
Creating a sense of belonging in young people is at the centre of how we work to drive social outcomes in our communities. Spaces like this are essential in creating a safe environment for young people to connect with each other, as well as a strong support network and trusted role models within the community.
As we celebrate Arsenal in the Community’s 40th anniversary this year, creating a sense of belonging remains as important as ever to our commitment to driving positive social change.”
In order for kids and teenagers to fully utilize the field before the school breaks, the work must be finished before the summer.
During the summer school breaks and beyond, football and other sports and activities are scheduled to resume.
How will refurbished pitch impact local youth engagement?
Young people will be able to play football and participate in physical activities in a safe and accessible setting thanks to the renovated pitch, which will lessen their exposure to dangerous or antisocial situations.
Frequent use of sports facilities promotes youth mental and physical health by providing a healthy way to release tension and energy.
By uniting young people via common interests, encouraging collaboration, and establishing social relationships, the project cultivates a feeling of community.
The program supports the No More Red campaign’s objective of lowering knife crime and youth violence by removing young people from harmful influences by providing structured activities in a secure environment.
Young people can gain a feeling of agency and ownership by being involved in the facility’s design and operation. This will enable them to actively participate in improving their community and feel proud of it.