West Ham academy chief Ricky Martin has welcomed their latest expansion.
A new development pitch at Chadwell Heath has been in named in honour of Mark Noble, who retired after 18 years and 550 appearances in Claret and Blue following the conclusion of the 2021/22 campaign.
Martin told the club's website: “Chadwell Heath is where it all started for Mark Noble. Over 20 years ago, he came into Chadwell Heath for the first time, and this is where he began his dream of trying to become a professional footballer. It's been documented what an unbelievable career he's had.
“The Mark Noble Arena is a game changer for the Academy. We've had the financial support from the Club to provide a Category One, state-of-the-art, FIFA Pro quality pitch. The surface is top quality. We've upgraded the floodlights to LED floodlights. We've also got brand new fencing and a new parent spectator area as well.
“The markings on the pitch make the surface multipurpose as well, so we can cater for all different sorts of matches, training and drills, whether it be five vs. five, nine vs. nine, or eleven vs. eleven. It's a state-of-the-art facility that is going to be in use five nights a week here at Chadwell Heath.
“Mark has been a great ambassador for this football Club and a great graduate from the Academy. For an Academy Manager like myself, he's a highly inspirational figure for the next generation of West Ham players."
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