Rapper Stormzy has established a multi-purpose centre in Croydon to assist young people in London.
The Centre, known as #MerkyFC HQ, intends to offer chances in football, music, and gaming.
The three-time Brit Award winner, who is currently dating presenter Maya Jama, announced the news on social media on Thursday, posting videos and photographs of the facility to his X (previously Twitter) and Instagram pages.
Stormzy, 30, announced online that the project had taken three years to complete and praised Adidas for their assistance in bringing it to fruition in his hometown.
In an exclusive conversation with BBC Sport, the rapper disclosed his motivation for the ordeal and expressed his delight in its completion.
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Stormzy has opened a new multi-purpose youth centre in Croydon named #Merky HQ
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The rapped, who is dating presented Maya Jama (left) again, revealed the project took three years to complete
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He posted a video on his social media accounts about the facility, which aims to create chances in football, music, and gaming.’I still can’t believe we did it, creating a whole environment that includes everything that has happened in my life. “Music, football, youth culture, community, and gaming,” he explained.”I just thought, “What would I have liked when I was a kid?” It’s odd because, to me, community may sometimes feel like a buzzword. Providing a venue, opportunity, or lighting a flame in someone might lead to unexpecteԀ outcomes. I had a youth center where I went to compose music.
‘To me, it’s about planting a seed, which seems like a story or a fairytale, but I don’t think people realize how powerful and valuable it is.’
The center, which is only a few minutes from Stormzy’s childhood home, is primarily geared at teenagers and young adults, but visitors of all ages are welcome.
It is the latest in a series of ventures centered on his Merky brand, which also gives opportunities for underrepresented authors in publishing and assists individuals seeking jobs in the sports business.
Stormzy also provides financial assistance to black students wishing to study at Cambridge University..
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The 30-year-old is also involved in various other projects, including providing opportunities for under-represented authors in publishing
Stormzy also discussed his favorite Manchester United, whose season he says has been ‘awful’.
Speaking to the BBC, he also discussed Manchester United’s season so far. The rapper is a huge football and United fan, and he appeared on the final episode of Soccer AM.
‘No remark, next inquiry,’ he responded. ‘This year has been quite hard, to sаy the least.’
He also co-owns non-league team AFC Croydon Athletic with Wilfried Zaha, which competes in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South.
“I think on the pitch, the football’s been wicked,” Stormzy remarked of their season. ‘We made the playoffs. The goal for this year is to try for a promotion. But it’s been a nasty experience.’