Celebrations kicked off in Kentish Town earlier this week [4 August] as the local community officially reopened the newly refurbished sports pitch at the Peckwater Estate as part of Arsenal and adidas’ No More Red campaign.
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 Arsenal’s beloved mascot, Gunnersaurus.
No More Red was launched in 2022 to support the club’s long-standing work to help keep young people safe from the risk of knife crime and youth violence by creating more safe spaces and giving them access to role models and opportunities.
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 the department has sought to create a sense of belonging through programmes designed to respond to the needs of the local area.
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.
The works were made possible thanks to generous funding from adidas, Arsenal and the Kentish Town District Management Committee (DMC) and has allowed the community to make full use of the pitch once again.
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 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.”
Councillor Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture said: “We’re on a mission alongside our partners and communities to make sure all young people have access to opportunities that help them be safe and lead active lives. This revamped pitch will bring huge benefits to the local community, providing a space where young people and families can get together and take part in an amazing range of activities.”
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.”
Freddie Hudson, Head of Arsenal in the Community, said: “We’re so 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.”

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.”

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.