Arsenal players attend London Fields pitch opening

Three Arsenal players were on hand to celebrate the opening of the Suffolk Estate football pitch in London Fields on February 13.

The pitch just off Ponwall Road was in a state of disrepair and locked up for several years but local funding has enabled repairs including new floodlight fittings and an all-weather surface to be completed.

The pitch will bring new opportunities for local children and give them a safe space to play the beautiful game. Arsenal in the Community will deliver Premier League Kicks sessions there on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5-7pm.

Arsenal Under-18s players Tino Quamina and Kaleel Green and Arsenal Women goalkeeper Kaylan Marckese attended the celebratory event and were in awe of the new facility.

Kaylan said, “It was a heartwarming experience to see the community celebrate the opening of a pitch that represents Arsenal’s mission to make football accessible for everyone.

“It was especially cool to see how much fun the local kids were already having on day one.”

Tino, who is local to the area, added, “It’s a great place for children to play. It’s important to have safe spaces like these in the heart of the community.”

The opening was also attended by the mayor of Hackney, local councillors and residents, and we look forward to seeing the pitches being put to good use in the years ahead.