LoveFútbol Brasil

Arena Social de Aliança

Creation of community soccer pitches to catalyze social change

Residents of low income communities in Recife, Pernambuco, do not have access to open, public spaces that are safe and adequate for leisurely activity. As a result, the community lacks a sense of autonomy, and there is low community spirit.

LoveFútbol believes that it can encourage social change and strengthen community spirit by creating fields for playing sports. Created by a young American, LoveFútbol is headquartered in Washington D.C. and has been mobilizing communities and developing safe places to play sports in Brazil since 2011. The organization has received prizes for its work, its methods already having been applied with great success in other countries.

IMPACT

With support from BrazilFoundation, the project will:

• Build one community indoor soccer court for 1,100 children and youth, providing a safe place to play for 70% of children in the community;
• Increase community participation;
• Work as consultants supporting the community in this undertaking;
• Mobilize 140 adults and community leaders in the construction and administration of the courts;
• Create a platform for a development program (education, health, etc.) in partnership with other organizations.

“A soccer court from LoveFútbol is more than a place to play; it serves as a tangible and lasting symbol of the community’s strength.” – Team Lovefútbol