Manchester City, in partnership with global home appliance brand Midea and South African NGO Diski Nine9, has officially unveiled a newly refurbished community sports pitch at the Protea Glen Sports Centre in Soweto, reaffirming a shared commitment to youth development through sport.
Officially opened on South Africa’s National Youth Day, the revitalised facility aims to provide a safe, inclusive and accessible space where young people can play football and other sports, build life skills and unlock future opportunities.
The initiative forms part of Manchester City’s broader commitment to using football as a platform for positive social impact, while reflecting Midea’s investment in meaningful community partnerships across Africa.
Youth Day launch celebrates legacy and opportunity
The refurbished pitch was officially inaugurated during a community celebration attended by local residents, representatives from Manchester City, Midea, Diski Nine9 and officials from the City of Johannesburg.
The choice to launch the project on 16 June carried special significance, with Youth Day commemorating the bravery of the students involved in the 1976 Soweto Uprising. Opening a new sporting facility in Soweto on this historic day highlighted the importance of investing in future generations and expanding access to opportunities for young South Africans.
Football and netball festival brings community together
To mark the opening, more than 150 boys and girls in the Under-15 and Under-17 age groups participated in a football and netball festival, while over 100 community members attended to support the young athletes.
The day’s activities concluded with a prize-giving ceremony recognising the participants’ efforts and celebrating the role sport plays in fostering teamwork, confidence and community spirit.
Midea extends support beyond the pitch
As part of the initiative, Midea donated products to benefit both the sports facility and the surrounding community. The company also hosted an on-site exhibition, allowing attendees to learn more about the partnership and its broader community impact.
Mr Bright Yao, General Manager of Midea Africa, said the project reflects the company’s long-term commitment to supporting African communities.
“Partnering with Manchester City and Diski Nine9, we are proud to provide local youth with a safe space to grow and pursue their dreams. This pitch, along with our product donations, reflects Midea’s enduring commitment to uplifting African communities and making life better across the continent.”
Safe spaces create brighter futures
Diski Nine9 welcomed the partnership, noting that the upgraded facility will provide young people with a secure environment to develop their sporting talent while encouraging personal growth.
The organisation said launching the project on Youth Day served as a reminder that investing in young people is an investment in the country’s future.
Partnership demonstrates football’s power for social impact
Delivered in collaboration with Diski Nine9 and Tackle Africa, the project showcases how strategic partnerships between global brands, football organisations and community groups can create lasting social value.
By improving access to quality sporting infrastructure, Manchester City, Midea and their partners are helping strengthen communities, nurture young talent and ensure that the next generation has more opportunities to succeed both on and off the field.
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