The year 7s of London Islamic School were given VIP treatment during their visit to the Emirates Stadium, home to the famous Arsenal Football Club. The students attended one of the best stadiums in the world for an action packed day organized by ‘Arsenal in the community – Arsenal for everyone project.’ The day commenced with a brilliant ‘Cultures, beliefs and world religions’ workshop with an aim to make students aware of the various cultures, beliefs and religions present in the wider world and community at large in order to promote respect, tolerance and harmony within local communities. The students were kept very engaged with the variation in activities and the unique use of Arsenal Football Club as an example of a team with players from a wide range of cultures, beliefs, backgrounds and religions who all work together with respect, fulfilling their dreams in life.
The students were then spoilt with a tour around the stadium which commenced with a visit to the Directors’ box and players changing room where the students sat on the changing seats and watched a DVD by Arsene Wenger, welcoming them to the changing room and informing them about the vision of Arsenal FC. Getting the true feeling of a football star the students walked out of the tunnel and sat on the Arsenal pitch-side dugout to receive a team talk from an Arsenal coach about some of the things that take place in the area. Lastly, the tour finished with a visit to the press conference room to experience the pressures a Manager or captain face while under the spotlight.
LIS students were treated with a visit to the Arsenal museum where they learnt about the rich history of Arsenal FC through a series of interactive activities. To highlight the fun filled day, the students were then treated to a football coaching session by Arsenal FC coaches filled with a series of fun, disciplined and educational drills that the students will remember for life. The Headteacher of London Islamic School (LIS), Abdulhadi Mamon was extremely happy with the outcomes of the visit and said ‘This project is a very unique initiative that has used the concept of the football game which is very appealing to the youth, as a means to educate these young people n the importance of respecting each others cultures, beliefs and faiths within a community.
“This knowledge forms one of the key aims and objectives at London Islamic School (LIS).”
Ashfak Ahmed of year 7 said: “I really liked the trip because we got to see where the players change, hang out after matches and where the Manager sits on match days. I also enjoyed the activities where we learnt about other cultures, beliefs and religions. This experience was one to remember as the years 7s of LIS continue with their journey in life knowing that the next time they see Arsenal FC on TV, they can boast about their experiences, and hopefully this will inspire and galvanize them to achieve higher to reach their aspirations and become leaders in making a positive contribution to Britain.”