Arsenal’s Head of Community awarded MBE | OneFootball

Freddie Hudson recognised in King’s Birthday Honours for four decades of service

Freddie Hudson, Arsenal’s long-serving Head of Community, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to the club’s community work. The recognition marks the culmination of a 37-year career dedicated to social inclusion, youth development and public wellbeing in north London and beyond.

Hudson joined Arsenal in the Community in the 1987–88 season, shortly after the department’s formation, initially working on the Action Sport scheme, a programme aimed at engaging unemployed young people through sport. Over nearly four decades, he has overseen the growth of Arsenal’s outreach into one of the most respected models of its kind in European football.

Today, he leads a team of around 100 full- and part-time staff delivering programmes across education, employment, social inclusion and mental health. More than 5,000 people engage weekly with Arsenal in the Community, which this year marks its 40th anniversary.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Hudson said: “Receiving an MBE is very special and a huge honour but this, to me, is a recognition of Arsenal Football Club’s commitment and loyalty to our community over the last 40 years, and courage to face some of society’s toughest challenges.

“It’s a recognition of the work of every member of our Arsenal in the Community team in that time and wider club staff, and of our local partners, without whom we would not be able to deliver what we’re able to day-in, day-out in our communities in north London.

“This club, and this incredible group of people, work tirelessly to make a meaningful impact, using football to create a sense of belonging and provide vital support in our communities where they need it most. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together, from campaigns like No More Red to our Coaching for Life programme in the Za’atari refugee camp, and so many other programmes that have had an impact on people’s lives. None of this happens without the dedication and passion of those who make it possible.

“Our club and our sport has a unique ability to connect and inspire people in ways that others might struggle, and we have always felt a sense of duty and responsibility to our community. This recognition is a testament to what we’ve built over four decades, but it’s also an enabler that will empower us to achieve even more together in the future.”

Richard Garlick, Arsenal’s Managing Director, praised Hudson’s impact and the lasting value of his work: “Freddie and our entire community team have positively impacted thousands of lives, and we couldn’t be prouder to see him receive this well-deserved recognition. Everyone who has worked with Freddie or encountered him through our programmes has felt the heart, humility, dedication, and tireless commitment he brings to his role every day. He is a driving force behind so much of our impact we have in our local community, instilling pride, inspiration, and belonging throughout the Arsenal family.

“It’s even more special for Freddie to receive this honour as we celebrate 40 years of Arsenal in the Community. He has been with us almost from the beginning, shaping our journey alongside every staff member who has contributed over the years. His leadership has helped build Arsenal in the Community into what it is today.”

Arsenal in the Community was the first formal community department created by a professional football club in England. Formed against the backdrop of rising social unrest in inner-city London during the early 1980s, the initiative began by offering safe, structured football opportunities and has since evolved into a multifaceted programme spanning health, education, youth justice, disability sport and refugee support.

Today, the department delivers approximately 140,000 hours of activity each season, through coaches, youth workers, teachers, health practitioners and mentors. Activities take place in schools, youth clubs, prisons, community centres and public housing estates, many of which have been renovated with support from The Arsenal Foundation and partner funders including Islington Giving, the Premier League Charitable Fund, the PFA and others.

Hudson also chairs London United, a coalition of the 16 professional football club community departments in the capital, which coordinates joint initiatives to tackle city-wide social issues.

This MBE adds to the recognition Hudson received in 2022, when he was named a Premier League Community Captain, an accolade marking outstanding contribution to football-led community development.

As Arsenal marks four decades of its pioneering work, Hudson’s honour stands as both a personal tribute and a testament to the club’s enduring commitment to social responsibility, collaboration and transformative impact.