Hackney’s San Siro

Photographer Tara Darby’s exhibition at Homerton Library is an ode to the Suffolk Estate football cage

“Sport is such a leveller and a unifier. It’s a brilliant way for kids to expend their energy,” says photographer and documentary filmmaker Tara Darby, whose exhibition about the football cage on the Suffolk Estate is showing at Homerton Library.

Often referred to as the ‘White Cage’, or the ‘San Siro of East London,’ the artificial turf pitch is a space where the community comes together to train, socialise and have fun.

Tara explains: “I started taking photos at the beginning of last year. Both my kids are really into football and my son has played in this cage from when he was quite small.

“I was amazed to see the way that this free pitch self-regulates – and that’s because of the organisation of the people that use it.

“If you turn up and there’s a match going on, people just wait, or you may be asked to referee, or get in goal. That’s what is so beautiful about it. So many different people come to use the pitch – a lot of people in the community, but also people travel here to play.”

The cage draws in a wide demographic: young children playing alongside their parents, teenagers honing their skills, and adults into their 50s.

Tara believes the pitch stands in contrast to other local amenities because it’s not a multi-use games area. She says: “The space is unique because it is specifically about football. It’s durable so you can play a decent game.

“I love the way that kids can grow up playing cage football like this, with that freedom to make some noise. It’s so difficult for teenagers to go somewhere where they can just let loose.”

The future of the San Siro was not always certain. With so many people on the housing waiting list, the Suffolk Estate is currently earmarked for development.

But, thanks to engagement between residents, Hackney Council, and architects – which recognise the space’s importance to community health and cohesion – the cage has been protected, although it will be smaller.

While the pitch will close for around 18 months for refurbishment, the redesign process has involved some of the young people who use it.

Tara says: “I hope that this exhibition brings to attention a complex situation. Space is at such a premium in east London, but places like this cage are so important and need protecting.

“I want people to think about how amazing it is that there’s this free space where people can just turn up, respect it, and organise it in such a fantastic way.

“I also hope people feel joy looking at these photos and that those featured in them feel really proud.”

‘San Siro, Hackney: How do football cages change lives?’ is showing at Homerton Library until 11 September.