Former professional footballers have created Ballerz, a first of its kind centre offering a mix of training, gaming and entertainment under one roof in the 30,000 square foot space in Dartford.
Developed by footballing legends Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora, Roberto Carlos and Mark Noble, alongside experts from the sports and hospitality industries, Ballerz will feature an immersive football experience alongside a six-a-side, stadium-style 5G pitch complete with technologically advanced features.
There will also be professional changing rooms and a players’ tunnel on site.
Speaking ahead of the Ballerz opening, Rio Ferdinand said: “We’re giving the beautiful game a makeover, with a stunning pitch and unique touches that’ll create an electric atmosphere – including big screen replays, crowd noise, and all your best match highlights ready to share.
“Ballerz is designed to make every player feel like a star. The immersive tech in our Skillzone will challenge players to seven specially developed football fitness games that test your technical, physical and mental skill.
“It’ll all be tracked with your QR wristband – so you can focus on achieving your personal best and see if you beat the scores of the Ballerz football legends.
“There’s also The Heineken Lounge, Ballerz Café and gaming lounge, so visitors can fuel up, wind down and enjoy the ultimate football experience.”
Former professional footballers have created Ballerz which is the first of its kind – offering a mix of training, gaming, and entertainment under one roof in the 30,000 square foot space in Dartford (Image: Ballerz)
An exclusive launch event will be held on May 16 where a Battle of the Ballerz tournament will feature four teams made up of footballers, musicians, influencers, and competition winners.
The line-up includes Ballerz’s football founders, plus DJ Mark Knight, Lioness legend Fara Williams, freestyler Harriet Pavlou, former England player Joe Cole, Charlton Athletic squad members, and more unannounced names.
Following this, on May 18, Ballerz will open its doors to the public from 8am to midnight seven days a week.
Bookings are now live at ballerz.co.uk, and Ballerz’s Instagram is offering a chance to snag tickets to the exclusive Battle of the Ballerz launch event.
From May 20, Ballerz will provide football coaching for children of all abilities, including academy group sessions, goalkeeper clinics and taster sessions.
Mark Noble added: “The response we’ve had to the development of Ballerz has been phenomenal and we have big plans for the launch. We’re striking the balance between entertainment, tech and sport. Grassroots football is a massive part of the footballing community and we’ll also be hosting a line-up of local youth teams to test out the pitch ahead of the opening event.”
James Waugh, centre director at Bluewater, said: “We have had months of anticipation since the announcement of the Ballerz dome last December.
“Our guests are already excited by the addition of Ballerz’s unique concept to our leisure offering here at Bluewater, and we know they’ll be thrilled to be able to start booking their own time on the pitch.
“We are honoured to be home to the first Ballerz location globally, and the launch will mark another milestone in our 25th anniversary year.”
Ballerz is also collaborating with Kick it Out, a charity devoted to combating all forms of discrimination within sports.
