British rapper Stormzy has collaborated with adidas to unveil #Merky FC HQ, a versatile facility that provides opportunities for young people in the south London area and beyond.
This innovative space boasts football pitches, a cutting-edge recording studio, a sports gaming hub, and various multipurpose rooms. It offers youngsters a platform to explore their passions in football, music, and esports, alongside educational, dance, and fitness activities.
Situated near Stormzy’s childhood stomping ground in Croydon, #Merky FC HQ represents the latest #Merky initiative, expanding on the successful Football Careers programme developed in partnership with GOAL to promote diversity and representation in football.
Located at Selhurst Sports Arena, #Merky FC HQ will be overseen by Communities First Foundation, dedicated to empowering London communities through sports, training, and employment support.
Stormzy, while reflecting on the launch, expressed his excitement, stating, that teaming up with adidas for the project had been a long-time dream.
“I’m gassed that we can finally open the doors to #Merky FC HQ. Working with adidas, I’ve wanted to do this for a long, long time and now there’s a community space that everyone in the area will be able to use and benefit from.
“When I was growing up there was nothing like this around for young people, so it means a lot that we now have a facility like this in Croydon. Proper homegrown!”
Senior Director of Brand Communications at adidas, Steve Marks, echoed the rapper’s sentiment, restating the importance of creating spaces like #Merky FC HQ for community engagement and youth development.
“We’re proud to launch #MerkyFC HQ the next chapter in adidas’s ongoing partnership with Stormzy. Supporting the development of spaces for the local community to connect, play and collaborate is a vital part of our ongoing drive to cultivate opportunities for young people.
“The centre is a space for everyone including those who enjoy taking part in football, but also for the discovery of other creative passions such as music and esports,” he said.
The grand opening event for #Merky FC HQ was held on Thursday, May 2, 2024 in Croydon.