Opened on South Africa’s National Youth Day, the project represents a shared commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can play sport, develop life skills and reach their potential.
The revitalised facility will provide local young people with access to quality sporting infrastructure and opportunities to participate in football and other community activities for years to come.
To celebrate the launch, Manchester City, Midea and Diski Nine9 hosted a community opening event attended by local residents, project partners and officials from the City of Johannesburg, who joined representatives from the organisations for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the refurbished pitch.
More than 150 boys and girls aged between Under-15 and Under-17 took part in a football and netball festival tournament held throughout the day, while over 100 community members attended as spectators, creating a vibrant atmosphere to mark the occasion.
The sporting activities showcased the power of sport to bring communities together, with young participants competing in football and netball matches before coming together for a prize-giving ceremony celebrating their efforts and achievements.
As part of the project, Midea also donated products to support the facility and local community. The brand hosted an on-site exhibition during the event, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about the wider partnership and the contributions being made to support young people in Protea Glen.
The opening held particular significance as it took place on 16 June, South Africa’s Youth Day, in Soweto — the historic township at the heart of the 1976 student uprising. The national holiday commemorates the courage and sacrifice of young people who stood up against the apartheid education system and fought for equal access to education and opportunity.
Launching a refurbished sports facility for young people in Soweto on this historic day provided a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in future generations and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
Speaking about the project, Diski Nine9 said:
“We are deeply grateful to Manchester City and Midea for investing in a community like Protea Glen.
“This pitch will give young people a safe space to play, develop their talent and dream bigger.
“Launching it on Youth Day made the moment even more powerful, because it reminded us that when we invest in young people, we are investing in the future of the country.”
The project forms part of Manchester City’s ongoing commitment to using football as a force for positive social impact and reflects Midea’s dedication to supporting communities through meaningful local partnerships.
Mr. Bright Yao, General Manager of Midea Africa, commented: “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.”
Delivered alongside local partners Diski Nine9 and Tackle Africa, the initiative demonstrates how sport can help create opportunities, strengthen communities and inspire young people across South Africa and beyond.
By creating safe, accessible spaces where young people can play, learn and connect, Manchester City, Midea and their partners are strengthening communities through the power of football while supporting the next generation to pursue their ambitions both on and off the pitch.
