How London's darkest hour helped shape the spiritual home of grassroots football: Hackney Marshes, built on tons of WW2 rubble, witnessed the rise of Bobby Moore and David Beckham... and was once (briefly) graced by Lionel Messi!
The sprawling 336 acres, the beating heart of grassroots football in England, played a crucial role in London's recovery from the Blitz during World War Two.