Arsenal FC

Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger and Little Britain’s Matt Lucas joined forces at the Emirates Cup in August to celebrate Arsenal’s record-breaking year with Ambitious about Autism as the Club’s Charity of the Season 2007/08.

Thanks to the overwhelming support for the partnership from supporters, players, directors and staff of the Club, Arsenal and Ambitious about Autism raised an incredible £519,541. This is not only more than double the £250,000 target that was set back in August 2007; it smashes all previous fundraising totals for the Charity of the Season initiative at Arsenal. £250,000 will fund the sports facilities in Ambitious about Autism’s National Centre for Autism Education and the remainder will also go towards the new centre, which will help Ambitious about Autism to improve education for many more children with autism.

Just some of the many highlights of Ambitious about Autism’s season with Arsenal were the ‘Be A Gooner. Be A Giver’ campaign, spearheaded by the Club’s first team players and directors who donated a day’s wages to Ambitious about Autism; William Gallas, Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor, Gael Clichy, Gilberto and of course Arsène Wenger visiting TreeHouse School; and TreeHouse pupils appearing on Match of the Day, tenpin-bowling with Denilson.

Speaking of the partnership, Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said: “We are delighted to have smashed our target of raising £250,000 for TreeHouse through the partnership, as well as building awareness and understanding of autism education. The dedication of the parents and staff of TreeHouse has been phenomenal and all should be proud of the amazing work I have seen this ambitious charity do. The supporters have been fantastic with their involvement, and generosity, and it is thanks to them that TreeHouse can enjoy brand new sports facilities within their new home. On behalf of Arsenal, I wish the children, staff and parents of TreeHouse all the best in their new building.”

Our friendship with Arsenal doesn’t end here. Ambitious about Autism is continuing to work in partnership with Arsenal’s coaching staff, with the objective of developing a football programme for children with autism in the local area.