Stormzy and Adidas Launch #MerkyFC HQ in Croydon, London: A New Centre for Music, Football, and Gaming

Stormzy, the grime star, has teamed up with Adidas to unveil a groundbreaking new centre for music, football, and gaming in Croydon, London. The newly built #MerkyFC HQ is set to revolutionize the local community by providing access to state-of-the-art facilities including football pitches, a recording studio, a sports gaming hub, and multipurpose rooms.

The centre, developed on the existing Selhurst Sports Arena site, aims to empower the community through sports and employment support. With the support of Adidas, #MerkyFC HQ will host year-round events and educational activities, offering development opportunities for young people in the area and beyond.

The addition of a music studio will give aspiring local artists a platform to record their music, while also serving as a space for multimedia use such as podcasts and gaming events. The sports gaming hub, a collaboration between #MerkyFC, Adidas, and EA Sports, will allow young people to showcase their skills on the latest EA Sports titles.

This initiative marks the second phase of the partnership between Stormzy and Adidas, following the successful launch of the #MerkyFC Careers program in 2022. The program aimed to address racial equity in the football industry and has since placed over 60 individuals in various roles across different brands.

Stormzy expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “I’m gassed that we can finally open the doors to #Merky FC HQ. 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!”

Steve Marks, Senior Director of Brand Communications for Adidas, echoed Stormzy’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces for the community to connect, play, and collaborate. The launch of #MerkyFC HQ signifies a significant step towards cultivating opportunities for young people and fostering creativity in the local area.

The news of #MerkyFC HQ comes on the heels of Stormzy’s recent benefit concert for Palestine and Sudan, showcasing his commitment to using his platform for social good. As the partnership between Stormzy and Adidas continues to evolve, the future looks bright for the #MerkyFC initiative and the community it serves.