Following a grant award of £1m by the Football Foundation, the new outdoor-sports changing pavilion and education/lecture facility at Hall Place, Bexley, opened its doors to the public.

A schools tournament was arranged to mark the occasion with all matches being refereed by newly trained 'Young Leaders'. Between matches the school children were challenged to 'Beat the Goalie' with Curbishley's former club, Charlton Athletic, who were on site to join in the celebrations.

As Alan Curbishley cut the ribbon at the new £2.5m centre, he described the facility as "a fantastic boost for sport in the local community, which people of all ages can enjoy using".

Alan also signed autographs for youngsters, as well as and copies of his new book.

He was joined by Lord Pendry, President of the Football Foundation, the Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley and Councillor Nick O'Hare at the opening.

The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities throughout the country. Funded by the Premier League, The Football Association and the Government, the Football Foundation is the nation's largest sports charity with a £40m budget going straight into the heart of football.

Lord Pendry, President of the Football Foundation, added: "These new facilities at Hall Place are state-of-the-art and will greatly increase the opportunities local people have to play a range of sports.
"I am delighted that we are joined by a real local hero and a highly respected football manager in Alan Curbishley. The London Borough of Bexley and the London FA also deserve credit for their work in making this vision a reality."