U18’s in Hackney will be trained by Arsenal coaches at the new Woodberry Down games area.The Premier League club has contributed to the £75,000 project which has now opened. An official opening will take place on Thursday 14 March.
Hackney council has said: “The Mayor [Philip Glanville] and Gunnersaurus [Arsenal’s mascot], will be practising their football skills, unveiling the sign and signing autographs.”
The improvements were made so that young residents in the area had a designated place that they could play sport.
Caroline Selman, the Labour councillor for Woodberry Down, said: “The improvements were made in the area after numerous conversations with young residents, mainly through The Edge youth hub. We are developing the site as a part of a regeneration project and residents wanted a designated space for young people.
“The area is clearly meant for them. Many youths see green spaces and don’t feel they can go and kick around a football because families are there. The site opened a few weeks ago in time for half term and it was really busy. The official opening with Arsenal FC is taking place so it will draw the attention of all the residents that it is free to use.
“Arsenal had a fund for development and they got in touch with our resident organisation. They will be offering training sessions with Arsenal coaches in the new space as well.”
Arsenal FC reached out to the Woodberry Down Community Organisation (The WDCO) alongside the Manor House Development in order to get involved with the project. The WDCO has tweeted about the opening of the area. They said: “Come and see your Hackney Mayor and Arsenal show off their keepie uppie skills [on the pitch].”
The training sessions that Arsenal FC have offered to host will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. These are aimed at under 18s in the area.
Arsenal FC said: “We are proud to transform the lives of young people through a variety of projects funded funded through The Arsenal Foundation.
“The Arsenal Foundation is a fundraising and grant-making organisation designed to grow the reach and effect of the programmes the club supports to help an increasing number of young people across the globe fulfil their potential and help their communities thrive.”
Gurvinder Sidhu, a press officer at the Hackney council, said “improvements were made to make the pitch larger and improve the playing surface and fencing to meet Arsenal standards for community training.
“In addition to Arsenal’s training The Edge Youth club will be providing various activities at the facility for the younger residents in the area.”
The opening, taking place on Thursday, is not ticketed and everyone is welcome.
