Celebrating Two Years Of The Rocky & Wrighty Arena

Two years on from being opened by Ian Wright in 2023, the small-sided 3G pitch at the footballing legend’s former primary school is used from dusk ‘til dawn by both students at Turnham Academy and the local community in South-East London.

Funded by the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation and EA SPORTS, the pitch features a mural honouring the legacy of Ian as well as his great friend and former teammate, David “Rocky” Rocastle.

Shahzaib, student at Turnham Academy, said: 

“If I ever feel like giving up when I’m playing on this pitch, all I have to do is look up at that wall and it keeps me going.”

The pitch has been transformational for the children of Turnham Academy and nearby SEND school, Drumbeat School, who both use it for physical education lessons:

Thanks to the floodlit all-weather surface, the pitch is open for action outside of school hours too. Millwall FC’s community foundation, local grassroots club Hillyfielders FC and Girls United all run sessions at the school throughout the week, meaning the whole community have been able to benefit from the facility.

Naomi, player for Girls United, said:

“This pitch helped me to believe in myself more.”

Joubin Sarrami, Community Manager, Millwall Community Trust said:

“Having access to a lovely facility like this is brilliant because it gives young people in the area a platform to express themselves and play football.

Access to greenspace in London can be limited so we’re so lucky to have this safe space. Who wouldn’t want to come play football here?”

To find out more about the site, visit here.