Children on a housing estate can now play on a refurbished football pitch after Arsenal FC helped with cash for the scheme.

The pitch at Islington Council's Mayville Estate was transformed as part of the Gunners’ campaign with sports brand Adidas to protect young people from knife crime and youth violence.

‘No More Red’, established in 2022, has so far led to upgrades to three pitches in Islington, including on the Harvist and King Square Estates.

At the official opening of the new Mayville pitch last week, children took part in a community fun day – and councillors also got involved in the kick-about.

Activities were delivered for free by two community-led projects – ‘Access to Sports’ and ‘Sports and Life Skills’.

Freddie Hudson, head of Arsenal in the community, said: “I’m really proud to see our partnership with adidas deliver a third pitch in the borough.

“Pitches such as this are valuable safe spaces, giving young people access to a support network with important role models across our local community.

“This helps to create a sense of belonging, something which continues to be at the heart of our No More Red campaign, and of our club as we continue to support positive social change in our community.”