Bergkamp keeps the faith

DENNIS BERGKAMP returns to Islington today to open a facility aimed at keeping teenagers away from knife crime.

The Arsenal legend gave £75,000 from his testimonial game at the Emirates Stadium in 2006 to pay for a community football pitch.

The Evening Standard revealed the Holland striker had paid for the pitch in August, as Mayor Boris Johnson called for London's football clubs to help the fight against knife crime. The ground, in Elthorne Park, is part of an international network of "Cruyff Courts".

They are the brainchild of fellow Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff and aim to give children safe places to play sport.

Bergkamp, who spent 11 years at Arsenal, said: "I hope this Cruyff court bearing my name can bring as much joy to the youngsters playing football as I had when I played."