Ex-Gunner Nigel Winterburn pitches in to launch project at Hargrave Park Primary School

An ex-footballer who was part of Arsenal’s legendary back four in the 1990s opened a new pitch at Hargrave Park Primary School on Monday.

The astro-turf pitch is the first of many surfaces being refurbished across the borough thanks to the club’s Legends game against AC Milan at the Emirates Stadium last September, which helped to raise £1million for The Arsenal Foundation.

Funds raised will also go towards the construction of new playing surfaces for children in Somalia and Jordan with the club’s global charity partner Save the Children.

Despite taking great satisfaction in returning to the defence during Arsenal’s 4-2 win against the Italian giants, the former England international said the rewards for the community are even greater.

Nigel, who was joined by Arsenal mascot Gunneraurus to officially open the pitch, said: “Getting back with my old team mates for the Legends match was special.

“Even more so, when you see how the money raised is going to make a real difference to young children in north London and overseas.

“The kids at Hargrave were playing on a bumpy surface before, and now they’ve got a brand new pitch to have fun on and play.

“Arsenal always believed in being part of the community when I was playing and it’s great to see that’s the case today.”

Arsenal’s community department make regular trips to the school as part of the ‘double club’, which sees coaching and football-based numeracy and literacy lessons.

Headteacher Lisa Horton said: “It is all about getting quality facilities for our students and fostering a competitive spirit.

“Arsenal do a huge amount of work with the school, and it is great that coaches will be coming in for weekly sessions. They encourage the students to be active, but also to improve their literacy in the classroom.