Mayor of Islington and Gunnesaurus Rex unveiled our new astro-turf pitch
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Watch Gunnersaurus making a surprise entrance at the school assembly
In February 2026, we welcomed the Mayor of Islington - Cllr Jason Jackson - accompanied by previous Mayor Barry Edwards and councillor Shreya Nanda, for the official opening of the school’s new astro-turf pitch, a significant milestone in improving sporting facilities for our pupils.
The Mayor and his guests toured the school and our new nursery, before joining the assembly led by Sports Coach Jack Briley, who announced to the children that another special guest was about to appear. Gunnersaurus Rex, the official Arsenal mascot, entered the school hall amongst gasps of surprise and cheering, and delighted the children with his presence!
Together, the Mayor and Gunner cut the ribbon to the newly renovated pitch, complete with new goal posts. Our Parent Teacher Community Association (PTCA) has been fundraising for this for several years, and the efforts were supported by Islington's Council, who partially funded the costs. The new surface was then used by all pupils who, one at the time, tested their football skills in a penalty shoot-out with Gunner acting as the goal keeper. Even nursery children joined in, although their favourite pastime was holding Gunner’s tail.
Coach Jack also managed to secure sponsorship from a local sports retailer, ProKit, who has committed to donating footballs and other equipment throughout the year. This partnership will further support pupils’ access to high‑quality sports resources, and strengthen the school’s focus on fitness and wellbeing, both physical and mental.
The Mayor of Islington said: "Cutting the ribbon on the new pitch at Whitehall Park School was a proud moment. Investing in spaces where young people can play, grow and thrive is always a win, and after my friendly triumph over the Gunnersaurus, it added a light‑hearted moment on the day.”
Renzo Veschini, Chair of the PTCA, said: “What a joyful sight seeing the happy pupils celebrating the new astro-turf pitch with the Mayor of Islington and Gunnersaurus. I would like to thank the previous members of the PTCA who got the ball rolling and made huge strides into fundraising for this. We are so pleased to have been able to complete the job, along with special mention to Coach Jack for organising it and Matt Robinson for finding external funding. We are all so thrilled it's finally in place, and we're sure it will get much happy usage.”
Sports Coach Jack Briley added: “It was great to see all the children participate in the activities on the astro-turf pitch yesterday with the Mayor of Islington and Gunnersaurus. What a wonderful achievement for the school to have this facility. It will enable consistent, year-round access to high-quality sporting provision, increased pupil participation in physical activity, and strengthened both curriculum and extracurricular opportunities. A big thank you to the PTCA and Islington Council for making this possible.”
Pupil Zoe said: "This opportunity is so great for children and our school community, especially for me and my friends because we love to play sports and football in the MUGA! The new astro-turf has made a great impact already and it will do for many years to come!"
New school astro-turf pitch unveiled
The Islington Tribune also reported the news in print and online, here:
