By By Mark Orlovac · Wed 30 September 2026
Find out how Ambler Primary School and Arsenal in the Community are using the Premier League's primary school programme to inspire their pupils
Located less than a mile from Emirates Stadium, it is no surprise that the Ambler Primary School in Finsbury Park has developed close links with Arsenal in the Community.
The latest connection came this summer, when the school were Arsenal's representatives in the girls' competition at the Premier League Primary Stars Football Tournament.
Held at Molineux Stadium, the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers, the team joined 39 others schools from across England and Wales in wearing first-team kit, getting photos with the Premier League Trophy and competing on a professional pitch in matches officiated by top-flight referees.
For the pupils involved, it was a memory to last a lifetime while for the teachers, it provided another example of how Premier League Primary Stars provides opportunities for young people to experience new things and to grow in confidence.
Here, Ambler Primary School learning support assistant Akram Sempala explains what being a part of the programme means to him and his pupils.
"It has been quite the journey for us. Last year we went to the qualifying tournament and we fell just short. This year, we managed to pull through with a lot of teamwork and perseverance. The girls are very proud to be here. We're representing the school, we're representing Arsenal and we're having fun doing it.
"I've been with this group for a few years now, their confidence has grown, they've matured and they've bonded really well as a team.
"It's a very proud moment seeing them on the pitch. Regardless of what happens, I want them to have as much fun as they can. That's the win for me.
"This is something that will carry on with them throughout life. It's an experience that not many people get to have. This tournament shows them that the world is bigger than just North London and that there are so many people who can help you. It's a big deal to them.
"It will raise aspirations. It shows how far effort, perseverance and resilience can take them. They have managed to come from Finsbury Park all the way to Wolverhampton, purely off the fact that they can work well as a team and can try their best. If they put their heads down, the sky is the limit.
"It is something they will never forget.
"How someone grows and develops are things that numbers or spreadsheets can't really show but you can see it in their character; especially for us who work with them every day.
"The area where we are from, sometimes children aren't always offered the support or the facilities that are available in other places. With Arsenal coming in and offering the sessions, resources and opportunities that they do, it goes a long way in terms of showing the kids that there is a support system around for them.
"With Arsenal in the Community we don't just focus on sports. We work on reading, literacy, comprehension and communication skills. There are clubs and interventions.
"It's something the children will be able to look back on and say, 'my community did something for me and we're really proud to be a part of it.' It has had a huge impact on our school.
"With Premier League Primary Stars, the children feel that they are a part of something bigger than just the school itself.
"It helps the children understand that reading isn't just for marking papers and educational purposes, they can read for enjoyment. It's fun to read!
"They have met first-team players such as Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum, who talked about the books they liked and how they like reading in their spare time. That opened an idea in the children that they could be interested in this too.
"It demonstrates the care the club have towards the children. These programmes show that football is not just about a competition, it's about bringing people together.
"It's a huge support because a lot of the children will go home and watch these teams on TV and they can say that my club really looks after me. They can feel part of the club."
30/09/2026
30/09/2026
30/09/2026
30/09/2026