Power League opens Docklands site in converted car park

How about this for a creative use of space?

Power League has opened its latest venue in Docklands in converted top three floors of an NCP car park near Crossharbour DLR station.

Designers have somehow managed to fit in two outdoor and three indoor five-a-side pitches - each with a unique, intimate atmosphere and ceiling just above head height.

“We’ve had so many people come in who can’t believe how good it looks, we’re pretty sure it’s the first time anything has ever been done like this,” said general manager Craig Phillips.

Hundreds of potential players have already signed up for a range of lunchtime and evening leagues which started last month, the centre having been completed in January.

League matches are held from Monday to Thursday and on Sunday afternoon, with corporate events planned for other time slots. Talks are also being held with local schools to host their PE lessons.

Each pitch boasts state-of-the-art ‘Rubber Crumb’ artificial turf similar to that used in the 2008 Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea in Moscow. Matches are refereed by qualified officials and there are prizes for league-winning teams.

There are already three Power League sites in London’s Zone 1 and 49 across the UK.

“We had lots of players who live or work in Docklands, so it made sense to bring the games to them,” added Craig. “So far the response has been excellent - including tournaments with teams from the likes of Barclays, Citigroup and Morgan Stanley.”

And if you can’t walk to the site? There’s always a handy few floors of car parking underneath the pitches.