Camden Sports - Helping Chase for £4m dream - Gael Clichy Surpises some young footballers
Published: 15 April, 2010
by STEVE BARNETT
ARSENAL defender Gael Clichy surprised scores of budding young footballers on Friday when he turned up at Chase Lodge to hand over a cheque for £20,000.
The Premier League donation is to help turn the 16-acre site into a state-of-the-art facility, with fundraisers targeting a total of £4million to complete the project.
Although the recreational ground is in Barnet, it was owned by Camden Council who agreed to sell the space to the Camden Community Football and Sports Association (CCFSA) in December.
The newly-formed charity, which has seen top youth club Hampstead join forces with semi-professional side Kentish Town, is planning to transform Chase Lodge into a first class football facility.
The early plans are for the space to boast eight multi-use pitches including a number of all weather surfaces, while the centre-piece will be an FA standard pitch with a stand. There will also be multi-purpose accommodation for sports therapy and community activities.
Taking a break from training, Clichy turned up to join youngsters in various training drills before presenting a cheque for £20,000 as part of the Barclays Premier League Places for Players initiative.
The Gunners’ left-back said: “This is a huge site and is a really ambitious project. I’ve heard about the plans and believe this will be a fantastic space in which to play football and keep fit.”
Chairwoman of Hampstead Football Club Diane Culligan, who also heads the CCFSA, added: “Gael’s visit and the donation on behalf of the Premier League will help us reach our goal of achieving a first class facility.
“We still need to raise a lot more, but donations from the London Marathon Charitable Trust and the Premier League have kick-started the process in reaching our ambitious target of £4million.
“Arsenal’s commitment to helping community clubs, such as Hampstead and Kentish Town FC, is vital to the development of the grassroots game. It is very much appreciated by all the dedicated volunteers who give their time to youth and amateur football.”
Anyone interested in showing their support for the CCFSA and helping to raise funds for the project can email Diane Culligan at
dianeculligan@hotmail.com for further information.