Stormzy x adidas: #MerkyFC HQ
Using Print to Inspire Change in the Football Community
In May 2024, #MerkyFC HQ opened its doors to young people, providing valuable opportunities for growth and development within the local area of Croydon. An initiative from Stormzy, a UK artist, and adidas, #MerkyFC aims to increase off-the-pitch career opportunities for UK black heritage youth.
Broadwick Studio invited Leach to transform this refurbished community hub with striking graphics, lightboxes and external signage. #MerkyFC’s branding is bold, just like its goals, meaning its new HQ had to make an impact. In partnership with Broadwick, we prioritised creating a strong visual identity throughout the facility to build brand advocacy and community collaboration.
As with any upcoming brand, #MerkyFC’s identity mattered—its logo, brand colours and mission needed presence. Before installation, we went through several rounds of testing to ensure all printed substrates matched the brand’s Pantone requests.
We installed external signage with welcoming messages and wayfinding directions to guide visitors to the entry. All signage was made from Dibond, a composite aluminium material known for its outdoor durability and weather resistance.
A grand external wall-mounted lightbox, measuring 2.93 metres wide by 2.046 metres high, illuminated #MerkyFC’s logo in a striking print, adding vibrancy to this sleek façade. Extra lightboxes of professional footballers were mounted around the facility, facing the football pitch for players and spectators to view.
The #MerkyFC HQ is a multi-purpose facility with various spaces, from a state-of-the-art recording studio and sports gaming hub to changing rooms and a new 3G pitch. The stairways displayed a collection of indoor, acrylic floor-level signage marking the purpose of each room. These fixtures directed visitors from room to room, creating a welcoming presence for the local London community to connect.
To bring everything together, we printed high-definition vinyl wall coverings commemorating black athletes, inspiring younger generations to know change is happening within the football industry. Other elements, such as frosted vinyl manifestations and double-sided window vinyl prints, were included for added branding opportunities.
The #MerkyFC HQ is where young people passionate about football, music and esports can connect and collaborate. Our collaboration with Broadwick Studio allowed #MerkyFC’s vision to come to life, which will continue to guide the success of this outstanding initiative.
Reflecting on this project, Jordan Wilson, Business Development Manager at Leach, said: “Across the years, we’ve worked with some amazing sports venues. #MerkyFC HQ was like no other, and with their initiative, this was a prime opportunity to create inspirational moments for young people.”
Leach is a renowned print and production company transforming spaces into unforgettable experiences. We work across sectors, including sports, retail, museums and heritage sites.
Explore our recent case studies for more inspiration, or contact our team today to learn more.
