Sports & Skills Pop-Up Arenas, Capetown

In Cape Town, many children and young people grow up in an environment marked by unemployment, poverty, and violence. Safe places to play, learn, and simply be a child are often rare. This is where the Sports & Skills Pop-Up Arenas project comes in: the mobile arenas create protected spaces where young people are empowered through sport, mentoring, and real-life educational opportunities. Soccer deliberately helps to build team spirit, conflict resolution skills, self-confidence, and social skills.

The arenas become important meeting places in disadvantaged neighborhoods. They offer regular training sessions, workshops, tournaments, and community activities. At the same time, they promote cohesion in the communities and show alternatives to crime, gang structures, and drug use.

In the long term, this will result in a sustainable social enterprise. Local companies can use the arenas for advertising and events. The revenue generated will secure operations and enable expansion to up to ten arenas in the coming years.

Funding from help alliance will finance the construction and operation of the mobile arenas, sports and life skills coaches, and community engagement measures. This will give thousands of children and young people access to safe spaces, new opportunities, and the prospect of a self-determined life.