Former Crystal Palace and England football star Ian Wright took a trip to a Croydon school last week to launch a text campaign for Croydon's Gateway arena.
The sporting legend and TV personality hooked up with pupils from Woodcote High School in Coulsdon to send the first of a series of text messages to drum up support for the Arrowcroft proposed arena development.
He also took time out to cheer on pupils as they impressed him with their football skills.
Arrowcroft's multi-million pound proposed Croydon Gateway development, which includes a 12,500-seat indoor arena and 800 new homes at the East Croydon site, has also been earmarked as a possible training venue for athletes from all over the world when the Olympic Games commence in London in 2012.
However, a rival bid from developer Stanhope and Schroder, is subject to a planning appeal.
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