Adidas and Stormzy have thrown open the doors to their exciting venture, #MerkyFC HQ. This dynamic community hub springs to life in the heart of Stormzy's hometown, Croydon. An electrifying beacon, #MerkyFC HQ's sole purpose radiates with a determination to amplify opportunities for young folk to physically connect, explore their curiosities, and grow their potential.
This multi-purpose space boasts football fields, a cutting-edge recording studio, a gaming zone dedicated to sports, and adaptable spaces for all manner of activities. Each handcrafted corner of this place has been designed to spark learning, encourage play, and foster a sense of community. As a vibrant host for an array of year-round events and enlightening activities, the hub will be a key provider of crucial training, access to personal development opportunities, and resources for the local youth and beyond.
The recording studio will serve as a launchpad for the next wave of UK music talent to take flight. It will also offer a highly accessible and capable space for podcast recording and varied multimedia uses. In a symphony of collaboration between #MerkyFC, adidas, and EA SPORTS, the sports gaming hub emerges. Fully loaded with all the latest gaming consoles, young enthusiasts can pit their skills against the most recent games from EA SPORTS, including the widely acclaimed EA SPORTS FC 24 and EA SPORTS F1 23.
The birth of #MerkyFC HQ is not a standalone triumph but a sequel to the successful launch of the #MerkyFC job initiative. This programme is at the forefront of the battle against racial inequality rampant in the football industry. Initiated in 2022, #MerkyFC has been a stepping stone for young, Black individuals in the football industry, with more than 60 landing positions within various brands and football clubs - all with the future generation in mind.
