Islington News - Emirates Community Football Centre | Five-A-Side Pitch | £75

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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 13 February 2009

Cautious welcome for plans: Ian Shacklock

‘Five-a-side pitch too costly at £75’

A ROW is brewing over plans to charge £75 an hour to hire indoor five-a-side pitches at the new Emirates community football centre.
Football coach Nick Mathias from Harbour Football club thought the charge would bar many of the younger teams from being able to play at the centre. He spoke out as plans for the centre moved a step forward this week with Arsenal presenting its latest architect’s drawings.
Mr Mathias said: “My kids couldn’t afford those prices. We already have to play on grass outside the borough where the pitch is free.”
The campaign for the centre has been co-ordinated by Highbury parent Ian Shacklock, with support from TV personality Clive Anderson, London Mayor Boris Johnson, and Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn, who have added their signatures to a petition with more than 3,000 names.
Mr Shacklock also thought the price was steep and hoped that Arsenal would provide concessions for young players.
He cautiously welcomed the plans for the new centre.
The latest plan shows two five-a-side pitches – a total of 1,600sqm – alongside each other with seating around the perimeter. The plans were due to be discussed at last week’s east area planning committee which was cancelled because of the snow. Another date is being arranged.
Mr Shacklock said the latest drawings are a great improvement on previous informal plans.
“They’ve now produced a plan which is rather good. It is something that would suit both older and younger children. Arsenal have responded to comments and come back with an improved layout.”
An Emirates youth centre, originally promised when the club first proposed plans for a new stadium four years ago, would have replaced the one at the old Highbury ground.
But last year Arsenal said it wanted to reallocate the space for the centre to build affordable housing as this was seen as more beneficial to the local community.
That’s when Mr Shacklock put his campaign into action.
“Everyone wanted this community football centre,” he said. “It would be Arsenal giving something back and there’s a tremendous need for facilities for young people today.”

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