Arsenal works with New River College to help students who are struggling in or have been excluded from mainstream education. Coach Aston tells us about Arsenal in the Community’s role…
**Project:** New River College Secondary School
**Participants:** Young people aged 11 to 16
**Partnership with Arsenal:** More than 15 years
**Where and when:** Every day at NRC, which is next to the Westbourne Estate, Islington
**Partners:** CAMHS, Safer Schools and Islington Early Help Children’s Services
New River College Secondary serves students aged 11 to 16 who have been excluded or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream schools, often facing challenges such as special educational needs, traumatic life experiences and the threat of criminal exploitation or gang involvement. With an average class size of six, the school provides a broad curriculum that includes both traditional academics and vocational training, aiming to equip students with the skills, confidence and qualifications needed for further education, employment, or training.
For over 15 years, New River College has partnered with Arsenal Football Club, which has been instrumental in engaging students and promoting positive choices. The club’s programs offer opportunities for students to enhance interpersonal skills, build teamwork, and set future aspirations. Through initiatives like Arsenal’s No More Red, students gain access to safe community spaces, steering them away from violent or anti-social behavior.
Supported by external agencies like CAMHS, Safer Schools, and Islington Early Help Children’s Services, New River College prioritises student safety and well being. As a trauma-informed school, it provides a nurturing environment where students develop positive attitudes toward learning and relationships. The school aims to continue this partnership, helping students feel safe and proud in Islington, prepared for healthy, successful futures.
Today, the school will be receiving a No More Red white shirt which will be displayed in their school.
We hear from Aston Stephenson, New River College engagement mentor and Arsenal in the Community coach…
“I enjoy working across schools and Arsenal in the Community sessions because I feel it’s making an impact on the community but also because it makes my job easier on both sides, as I can build a rapport with the young people before they join a session or before they join school.
“I think the students benefit massively from the Arsenal sessions, such as the communication and teamwork skills they need to use when participating in the session. Also, the opportunities it presents outside of school – for example going to Emirates Stadium for media days, or to play tournaments and just knowing when there are sessions in the community, which helps them enjoy their spare time more.
“Being part of Arsenal is like a family, not just for myself but for the students as well. It’s a sense of belonging, a sense of community. It’s sometimes what our students need and what they might not have had available to them before. It’s good they get the same opportunities as any other people who might be at a mainstream school, this really makes me happy as students such as those who might need to attend New River College don’t always traditionally get the same amount of opportunities as mainstream pupils.
“There have been many fantastic programmes I’ve enjoyed with the students, such as when we took our girls down to a media day with the Arsenal women’s players. This gave them great confidence and opened their eyes to the potential and opportunities for girls to succeed in football, which was amazing for them to see. Little trips like footgolf and taking the students on experiences they wouldn’t normally go on are also really fulfilling to be a part of.”
For more information contact Jack Ironside at [jironside@arsenal.co.uk](mailto:jironside@arsenal.co.uk).
Community Stories New River College
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