Pires opens 3G pitch funded by Legends match

The Arsenal Foundation ambassador Robert Pires has opened a new pitch at Fleet Primary School, thanks to money raised from the Legends charity match against Real Madrid.

The state-of-the-art 3G pitch was made possible in part thanks to a £20,000 donation from The Arsenal Foundation, alongside investment from The Football Foundation, Camden Council and the London Marathon Charitable Trust.

Pires captained the Arsenal Legends side that teamed up to play Real Madrid and raise money for The Arsenal Foundation last year - and this is the 17th pitch to have benefitted from the funding.

The Fleet Primary School pitch is expected to spark a rise in participation within the area and will support more than 600 players as a training base for Kentish Town FC and Hampstead Town FC.

Arsenal in the Community will also deliver several programmes at the facility, including Premier League Kicks, disability sessions and work with Camden Centre for Learning.

“I am very proud because it is very important,” explained Pires at the official opening.

“At the Legends game we raised a lot of money and it was very important for me and my old teammates to be able to play in that game and help support building pitches like this.

“We know the local community need these facilities, so it is very important to help. I played six seasons for Arsenal and it’s like my second family. Now my role is to help the local community.

“These kids and theses schools are the future. It is very important for Arsenal to show that we are here in the local community and that if we can help, we will. Football is very important. You can play anywhere, but if you have a pitch like this it’s a safe place to practise and have fun.”

The Arsenal Foundation would like to thank everyone that attended and supported the Legends match against Real Madrid for the part they have played in helping to build this important facility.