arsenal youth facility

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that its indoor sports facility at Hale End in Walthamstow, London, is to be named in the memory of former midfielder David Rocastle who lost his battle to cancer in 2001 at the age of just 33.

The David Rocastle Indoor Centre will oversee the development of the Academy's Youth Development program, where junior levels from under nines to under 16s will be able to use the facility throughout the year. Its official opening by Club representatives including manager Arsčne Wenger and David's family and friends will take place this afternoon, Thursday 3rd August.

'Rocky' himself came through the youth ranks at Arsenal, alongside players including Michael Thomas and Martin Keown. A number of current youth players will participate in a demonstration match in front of guests today after the opening ceremony.

The announcement comes at the end of a successful year for the David Rocastle Trust as Arsenal's Charity of the Season for 2005/06. Fundraising activities during Arsenal's final season at Highbury raised over Ł150,000 for the organization established in Rocky's memory.

Liam Brady, head of Youth Development said of the opening: "David was a product of the youth academy and went on to win trophies for the Club and represent his country. He was a courageous player and a great all round person and we want to have a lasting memorial in his honor."

Arsčne Wenger said: "David is fondly remembered by everyone at Arsenal as a true professional, and it is nice to have something with us as a daily reminder of what he did for the Club. I'm sure his memory and achievements will be an inspiration to our young players starting their careers just as Rocky did in the Arsenal Academy."