Mexico City’s Sustainable Pitch

adidas and Common Goal have partnered up to develop a social and sports-based project in Mexico

Common Goal community organisation love.futbol created a new multisport pitch that helps foster community activism and cohesion and addresses the social and environmental issues that affect the area – all through adidas and Common Goal’s move for the planet global activation.

The activation helped fund the construction of the space and project in the San Pedro Xalostoc community on the outskirts of Mexico City.

There are a variety of social and environmental issues that affect the community – from gender-based violence to poor drinking water quality.

“love.fútbol is thrilled to be supported by the Move For The Planet initiative to help advance opportunities for children to have access to a safe place to play, that is environmentally conscious, sustainably minded, and community-driven,” said Mano Silva, COO at love.fútbol.

The new space has community engagement and environment at its core as well as focusing on educational activities in the area in the following ways.

Turning recycled materials into sports infrastructure:

The `Eco-Conscious Sport Space in Mexico City´ transforms sports areas into spaces that promote community, physical activity, sustainability, and social impact. This project  installed in 2023 an environmentally conscious sports space with a multi-sports court. The focus in these 800 square metre spaces lies in the use of recycled plastics for its construction. It is a versatile and eco-friendly place for the community including various sports and recreational activities.

“Developing our eco-sports arena through this project we are excited to explore how many more communities across the globe can benefit from community sports spaces that are good for both people and the planet,” added Mano.

Education on environmental sustainability and sports:

The educational programme, `Play Your Part: Team Green´ addressed the challenges related to clean drinking water and environmental conservation. This program educated and engaged children on ways to stay healthy and safe in their environment while learning how to take local actions to tackle these challenges.

It is vital to learn about the importance of preserving the planet and the role that everyone plays in it.

High community engagement:

love.fútbol’s community members have stepped into roles as true champions of the project and have walked with the organisation from pre-project planning through to post-project programme implementation. Due to these relationships and community engagement, love.fútbol was able to access a significant amount of local donations and discounts. This funding surplus was invested in the program’s extension and the construction of additional sustainable infrastructure features like a garden, benches with shading assets, and sports equipment.