Arsenal’s Head of Community, Freddie Hudson, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for ‘Services to Arsenal’s community’.
An MBE recognises those who have made a significant contribution to their field, or outstanding service to their community over a sustained period.
Freddie’s recognition reflects a 37-year career dedicated to driving social inclusion, raising aspirations, and improving wellbeing across our community, creating a sense of belonging in vulnerable and underrepresented individuals and groups, supporting them in reaching their potential.
Freddie joined Arsenal in the Community in the 1987/88 season, shortly after its inception, when he supervised a group of young people on an ‘Action Sport’ scheme – a programme aimed at engaging unemployed people through sport.
Today, Freddie now oversees a workforce of around 100 full-time and part-time staff who connect with 5,000 members of the local community every week across a range of education, employment, inclusion, wellbeing, and personal development programmes.
A highlight of his career came in 2012, when he was as an Olympic torch bearer on its journey from Harrow to Haringey ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games. He was selected for his work in connecting and engaging young people to “be the best you can be” through Arsenal in the Community projects – reflecting the Olympics’ values and mission to defeat obstacles and reach potential.
In recognition of his decades-long contribution, Freddie was named a Premier League Community Captain in 2022, celebrating his outstanding service.
Freddie also chairs London United, a pan-London collaboration of all 16 professional football club community departments who recognise the power of collaboration and collective influence in achieving social outcomes on an even bigger scale.
Freddie Hudson MBE 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.”
