From concrete to community green
adidas and Common Goal team up for an environmental project in Greece
Towering apartment blocks, rising summer temperatures, and a lack of public green spaces define much of the landscape in this part of Athens. Where there is limited access to quality sports infrastructure, the Fields of Change project aims to transform an abandoned basketball court into a modern football pitch.
Together with adidas and Common Goal, Organization Earth is reimagining the space for play and community engagement, while empowering residents to take action on climate issues. The new pitch will feature eco-friendly turf made from recycled materials, along with climate-conscious additions like a water mist cooling system and climbing plants for natural shade.
The project will create a place where sport, sustainability, and community come together.
Climate adapted infrastructure:
The new pitch is designed for play, community use, and environmental resilience. Every detail supports a low-impact, climate-conscious approach:
A football turf made from recyclable materials, developed for full recycling after disposal.
A water mist cooling system, alongside climbing plants to create natural shade and reduce heat stress.
Football goals and equipment produced by upcycling plastic bottle caps collected locally.
The design reflects the local environment and provides a safe, welcoming space for everyone.
Education on environmental sustainability through sports:
Goal for the Planet! is the educational foundation of Fields of Change, helping young people and adults build practical knowledge around sustainability, with football as the entry point.
Participants will take part in activities such as:
Learning about the environment, teamwork, and shared values through the game.
Upcycling and waste reduction, including composting and creative reuse projects to reduce food waste.
Engaging groups often excluded from environmental education, such as unaccompanied minors and refugee girls.
The programme creates space for inclusive learning and climate action through play.
Community management for long-term impact:
Sustainability shapes the way Fields of Change is managed, through everyday action and community involvement.
Initiatives include:
Plastic cap collection drives, supported by local awareness sessions and neighbourhood meetings.
Training for sports facilitators and young participants on plastic reduction, reuse methods, and sourcing from environmentally responsible suppliers.
These efforts keep sustainability active at all levels of the project from the pitch to the wider community.