Arsenal Opens Newly Renovated Pitch at St John’s Highbury Vale

Last Friday was a truly special day at St John’s Highbury Vale CE Primary School as they celebrated the official re-opening of their pitch, fully funded by Arsenal Football Club. They were honoured to welcome back Kenneth Friar OBE, a former pupil and true club legend, alongside Alan Smith. Gunnersaurus also made a surprise visit, bringing huge smiles to everyone’s faces. They welcomed Councillor Jason Jackson, the newly appointed Mayor of Islington, who attended one of his very first public engagements in this role.

The opening marked a proud moment in their ongoing partnership with Arsenal. Through sustained collaboration—led with care and enthusiasm by the school—this relationship has opened up exciting opportunities for their pupils and the wider community. Before the ceremony, some of the pupils took part in a special training session on the pitch led by Arsenal coaches, which made the day even more memorable. One pupil said, “It was so exciting to meet such a legendary person and celebrate this amazing event,”

The pitch isn’t just for the school: it will also serve as a space for the wider community—a place for sport, play, and coming together. At a time when safe, welcoming spaces are more important than ever, we’re proud to share this one with our community. The school is grateful to everyone at Arsenal for making this possible. It was a joyful day full of pride, inspiration, and community spirit—and they can’t wait to see all the memories that will be made on their newly renovated pitch.