Stormzy opens his football, gaming and music centre, #MerkyFC HQ, in London
Stormzy has revealed that he’s teamed up with Adidas to create a new centre for football, music and gaming.
#MerkyFC HQ has been built in Croydon, South London and will provide the local community with access to top facilities including football pitches, a recording studio, a sports gaming hub and multipurpose rooms.
The centre, which opens tomorrow (May 3) has been build on the site known as Selhurst Sports Arena – which provides access to sports and employment support.
The investment from Adidas will allow the venue to host a selection of activities throughout the year and access to development in local communities.
It comes after Stormzy and Adidas previously teamed up on the #MerkyFC Careers programme to address racial equality and access to jobs for for UK Black Heritage Youth within football.
“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,” Stormzy said of the new development. “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!”
Introducing the brand new #MerkyFC HQ in Croydon – A new multi-purpose centre providing opportunities for young Londoners across football, music and gaming. 3 years in the making so I'm feeling quite emotional. To God be the glory. Thank you to @adidasUK https://t.co/LFat5Dwm0Q pic.twitter.com/HTIXuubges
— Stormzy (@stormzy) May 2, 2024
Steve Marks, Senior Director of Brand Communications for Adidas shared a similar sentiment, adding: “We’re proud to launch #MerkyFC HQ the next chapter in Adidas’ 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 added.