Freddie Hudson, Arsenal’s Head of Community, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list for his “services to Arsenal’s community”.

Freddie’s career with the club spans an extraordinary 37 years, dedicated to promoting social inclusion, raising aspirations, and improving wellbeing throughout the local area. His work has fostered a strong sense of belonging among vulnerable and underrepresented individuals and communities, supporting them in unlocking their full potential.

He first joined Arsenal in the Community during the 1987/88 season, shortly after its inception, supervising a group of young people on an ‘Action Sport’ scheme – a programme designed to engage unemployed individuals through sport.

Today, Freddie leads a team of around 100 full-time and part-time staff, who deliver education, employment, inclusion, wellbeing and personal development programmes to over 5,000 local people every week.

A Lifelong Commitment to Community Impact
A key highlight of Freddie’s remarkable career came in 2012, when he was selected as an Olympic torchbearer during its journey from Harrow to Haringey ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games. He was chosen in recognition of his work empowering young people to "be the best you can be" through Arsenal in the Community initiatives – a message that echoed the Olympic ideals of resilience and aspiration.

In 2022, Freddie was named a Premier League Community Captain, alongside fellow honouree Neil Fraser-Davis, in acknowledgement of his outstanding and enduring service.

He also serves as the Chair of London United, a collaboration between all 16 professional football club community departments across London. The initiative harnesses the collective power of football to achieve wider social outcomes and promote unity through sport.

The Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) recognises those who have made significant contributions to their field or provided exceptional service to the community over a sustained period.

Freddie Hudson MBE: “A Tribute to Arsenal’s Commitment”
Reacting to the honour, Freddie Hudson said:

“Receiving an MBE is very special and a huge honour, but to me, it’s a recognition of Arsenal Football Club’s loyalty and commitment to our community over the past 40 years – and our courage to face some of society’s most challenging issues.

It acknowledges the hard work of every member of our Arsenal in the Community team, past and present, and the support of wider club staff and our local partners, without whom our daily impact would not be possible.

This club, and this incredible group of people, work tirelessly to create a sense of belonging and deliver vital support where it’s needed most. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished – from No More Red to our Coaching for Life programme in the Za’atari refugee camp, and so many other life-changing initiatives.

Our sport has a unique ability to connect and inspire people in ways few others can. We’ve always felt a deep sense of duty to our community, and this recognition not only celebrates what we’ve built together but empowers us to do even more in the years ahead.”

A Club’s Tribute to Its Unsung Hero
Richard Garlick, Arsenal’s Managing Director, praised Freddie’s legacy:

“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’s worked with Freddie has felt his heart, humility, and unwavering commitment. He’s a driving force behind so much of the positive impact we’ve made in our local area.

It’s especially meaningful for Freddie to receive this honour as we mark 40 years of Arsenal in the Community. He has shaped that journey almost from the very beginning, alongside every staff member who has contributed. His leadership has been pivotal in building what the department is today.”

Arsenal in the Community: 40 Years of Impact
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Arsenal in the Community was the first dedicated community department established by a professional football club in England. Initially created to address inner-city social unrest, it offered safe spaces for young people to play football and delivered tailored programmes to meet the community’s needs.

Today, the team uses the club’s platform to reach vulnerable individuals and groups, delivering impactful sport, health, education, employment and wellbeing initiatives. A diverse team—comprising coaches, employment officers, teachers, youth workers, and health professionals—delivers approximately 140,000 hours of activity per season.

These programmes are run from Arsenal’s Community Hub, as well as across local primary and secondary schools, pupil referral units, community centres, prisons, and on various pitches and estates developed or upgraded through funding from The Arsenal Foundation, Islington Giving, the Premier League Charitable Fund, the PFA, and others.

Arsenal in the Community works with hundreds of local partners, including Islington Council, NHS trusts, and a wide network of organisations focused on education, disability, mental health, employment and social support.