Football legend Les Ferdinand will host a free children’s football training session this Wednesday, 20th November, at Finsbury Leisure Centre, in support of the campaign to save four beloved community football pitches threatened by redevelopment.
By EC1VOICES
Football legend Les Ferdinand will host a free children’s football training session this Wednesday, 20th November, at Finsbury Leisure Centre, in support of the campaign to save four beloved community football pitches threatened by redevelopment. The hour-long session will begin at 4:30 pm, followed by a peaceful protest led by the grassroots campaign group, EC1VOICES.
Les Ferdinand Steps Up for Local Community
Les Ferdinand, a former professional footballer and London native, is lending his voice to the campaign because he understands these pitches’ vital role for young people. “When I was a child, I was part of a gang,” he said, “but luckily [for me], this was a football gang. Instead of searching for trouble and carrying knives, we played with each other, and carried a football. And all that was possible because there was a space for us to do it.”
Community vs. Council: What’s at Stake?
The four football pitches, located near Old Street in Islington, have been a fixture of the community for nearly 50 years. Built alongside Finsbury Leisure Centre in the 1970s, they offer a rare green space in one of London’s most densely populated boroughs. However, Islington Council’s current proposal threatens to replace these heavily-used pitches with high-rise housing blocks, despite ongoing opposition from local residents, football players, and nearby schools.
For over a decade, campaigners have fought to preserve the pitches, arguing that their removal would devastate the community’s access to sports facilities and green space. Now, they fear the council may finally push through its controversial plan.mmunity vs. Council: What’s at Stake?
The four football pitches, located near Old Street in Islington, have been a fixture of the community for nearly 50 years. Built alongside Finsbury Leisure Centre in the 1970s, they offer a rare green space in one of London’s most densely populated boroughs. However, Islington Council’s current proposal threatens to replace these heavily-used pitches with high-rise housing blocks, despite ongoing opposition from local residents, football players, and nearby schools.
For over a decade, campaigners have fought to preserve the pitches, arguing that their removal would devastate the community’s access to sports facilities and green space. Now, they fear the council may finally push through its controversial plan.
Call to Action: Join the Event on Wednesday
Les Ferdinand will lead a free football training session for children at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, followed by a peaceful protest at 5:30 pm. EC1VOICES is calling on families, football fans, and local residents to attend and show their support.
“This is our chance to stand up and be heard,” said Eva Guerra, spokesperson for EC1VOICES. “Les Ferdinand’s involvement is a game-changer. His support brings hope and momentum to our fight. We’re also inviting other football players, including local Arsenal stars and women’s team members, to join us on the day.”
The Council’s Controversial Plans
Islington Council’s redevelopment proposal, which can be viewed here, includes the demolition of the existing pitches to make way for three residential towers, the tallest of which could reach up to 20 storeys. The plan also features a “modern, purpose-built” NHS GP practice, but proposes replacing the pitches with smaller rooftop facilities – a solution critics say is inadequate and inaccessible for the wider community.
“The council’s plan fails to understand what these pitches mean to us,” said Guerra. “A rooftop pitch is no substitute for a proper playing field. It’s an afterthought, not a solution.”
A Local Hero: Les Ferdinand’s Legacy
Les Ferdinand, widely respected for his career in football and his community involvement, has deep roots in London’s football scene. He played for Queens Park Rangers, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United, and gained national recognition during his time at Newcastle United, where fans still refer to him as “Sir Les.” Although not officially knighted, Ferdinand was awarded an MBE in 2005 for his contributions to football.
In his autobiography, Sir Les: The Autobiography of Les Ferdinand, he reflects on his upbringing in West London, the pivotal moments in his career, and the challenges he faced, including the loss of his mother to cancer. His dedication to helping young people access sports opportunities stems from his own experiences growing up in the city.
How You Can Help: Get Involved and Take Action
EC1VOICES invites anyone interested in participating in the free football session or the protest to visit their website for more details: ec1voices.com. The group is also raising funds for legal support to challenge the council’s plans. Donations can be made here.
The campaign group encourages supporters to submit their objections and comments on the council’s proposal by emailing [email protected] until the end of this month. Be sure to include the application reference number – P2024/2512/FUL – and copy [email protected] to ensure your input is acknowledged.
Media Contact
For interviews, and additional information, please contact:
Eva Guerra, EC1VOICES spokesperson
Email: [email protected]
