As part of our mission to support residents to live healthy lives and create opportunities for young people, we’ve been working with Arsenal and the NW5 Project to refurbish the sports pitch on Peckwater Estate in Kentish Town.
The much-loved pitch has always been a vital hub in the local community, but it had become worn out after years of being well used.
Thanks to generous funding from Arsenal, adidas, and the Kentish Town District Management Committee, we’ve been able to transform the pitch – making sure it continues to be a safe space where residents can be active, connect and have fun.
And following the Lionesses’ recent European Championship win, we’re confident the pitch will be more popular than ever!
Celebrating the pitch
To celebrate the reopening of the pitch, we hosted an afternoon packed with sports, music and community fun for residents. We were also excited to welcome Arsenal’s beloved mascot, Gunnersaurus, who joined in the fun!
Activities during the reopening included a football session with young people, Arsenal in the Community coaches and Gunnersaurus, arts and crafts for all ages and bouncy castles at the NW5 project playground.
Safer, stronger and healthier neighbourhoods
The Peckwater sports pitch is more than just a place to stay active – it’s a safe space where residents build friendships, grow in confidence, and feel a sense of belonging. Spaces like this are vital in making Camden’s neighbourhoods safer, stronger and healthier.
Local resident and parent Sadiya told us: “I couldn’t think of a better way of spending any investment than by bringing communities together, creating opportunities for our children and giving them a safe place to thrive and grow.”
Local young resident and NW5 team member Ellis spoke about the new sports pitch: “Me and my brother would come here and play football with our friends all the time, so seeing it now is really inspiring. To have a brand-new pitch on our doorstep with a great culture and a good facility will bring a lot of positivity to the area.”
The Peckwater pitch marks the first in Camden to be refurbished by Arsenal and adidas as part of No More Red to tackle the root causes of youth violence and provide safe spaces and more opportunities for young people.
As well as the refurbishment of the pitch, Arsenal in the Community is running free weekly football training for children and young people in the local community – supporting them to achieve their potential and improve their wellbeing.
And our brilliant community partners – like NW5 – are continuing to run sports and wellbeing sessions for people of all ages, helping the community to live healthier and more social lives.
Working together towards shared missions
We have four bold Missions for the future of the borough. And we’re working with local people and partners across every sector to deliver mission-led projects that are making a meaningful difference.
The Peckwater pitch transformation contributes to both the Estates and Neighbourhoods Mission, and the Youth Mission. It is a powerful example of how working together with partners towards shared missions can create real change for Camden’s communities.
There’s more energy behind the Missions than ever before, and we’d love for you to join us in turning community ideas into action to help achieve them!
