New Football Field in Cañada Real

Red Deporte, in collaboration with FedEx, the UEFA Foundation for Children, and streetfootballworld, has made a milestone in Cañada Real (Madrid), building a top-quality football pitch in one of the humblest areas of Spain. Carlos Marchena, former international with the Spanish national team and European and World Champion, took part in the opening ceremony and led a training session for the delight of all the children and attendees. The new and fully functional field can undoubtedly be considered ‘the sports jewel of Cañada’ in terms of sports and recreational facilities.

 

The opening ceremony of this field was attended by members of UEFA, FedEx Cares, and the organizations working in Cañada. Among the various activities, there were welcoming words from different social agents and commissioners of Cañada, the first match of the field, a flamenco dance and song recital, and the handing out of gifts, accompanied by food and drinks for all attendees of the event.

 

Pascal Torres, Secretary General of the UEFA Foundation for Children, said: ‘It is clear the power that a tool like football can have to unite communities. Furthermore, playing football creates an ideal environment for children from different areas to integrate, learn, and develop. We are thrilled to extend access to football for all children and that, through our joint work, we have been able to offer children from various communities the opportunity to grow and play together safely.’
Prior to the opening, FedEx Cares volunteers participated in the rehabilitation of the stands located next to one of the field’s sidelines, painting them in beautiful colors and cleaning the surrounding area of waste and weeds.

 

At Red Deporte, we would like to thank all the volunteers, the presence of the Commissioners of Cañada Real, members of UEFA, Ten Cate, volunteers from FedEx Cares, as well as Vladimir Borkovic on behalf of streetfootballworld and Ian Silverton from FedEx Spain for their ongoing involvement throughout the event. And, of course, a big thank you to Carlos Marchena for his generous presence at this unforgettable event, which will mark a turning point in football as an educational tool in Cañada Real.