Manchester City And Midea Unveil Refurbished Soweto Sports Facility in Protea Glen
Manchester City, in collaboration with global home appliance brand Midea and local NGO partner Diski Nine9, has officially unveiled a refurbished community sports pitch at the Protea Glen Sports Centre in Soweto, Johannesburg.
Opened on South Africa’s National Youth Day, the project reflects a shared commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can play sport, develop life skills and realise their potential.
The revitalised facility will provide local youth with access to quality sporting infrastructure and opportunities to participate in football, netball and other community activities for years to come.
To celebrate the launch, Manchester City, Midea and Diski Nine9 hosted a community event attended by local residents, project partners and officials from the City of Johannesburg. Representatives from all the organisations joined in an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the refurbished pitch.
More than 150 boys and girls in the Under-15 and Under-17 age groups took part in a football and netball festival throughout the day, while more than 100 community members attended as spectators, creating a vibrant atmosphere to mark the occasion.
The sporting activities highlighted the power of sport to unite communities, with participants competing in football and netball matches before coming together for a prize-giving ceremony celebrating their efforts and achievements.
As part of the initiative, Midea also donated products to support the facility and the local community. The company hosted an on-site exhibition during the event, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about the broader partnership and the contributions being made to support young people in Protea Glen.
The launch carried particular significance as it took place on 16 June, South Africa’s Youth Day, in Soweto — the historic township at the centre of the 1976 student uprising. The national holiday commemorates the courage and sacrifice of young people who stood up against the apartheid education system in the fight for equal access to education and opportunity.
Opening the refurbished sports facility on this historic day served as 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 our 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, said:
“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 in partnership with local organisations Diski Nine9 and Tackle Africa, the initiative demonstrates how sport can create opportunities, strengthen communities and inspire young people across South Africa and beyond.
By creating safe and accessible spaces where young people can play, learn and connect, Manchester City, Midea and their partners are harnessing the power of football to strengthen communities while supporting the next generation in pursuing their ambitions both on and off the pitch.
