Shanghai Shenhua Football Club has officially launched the "Chinese Football League, Shanghai Shenhua, Nike Eco-Pitch" project. The initiative kicked off at Shanghai Stadium on October 10, 2023, with the first pitch scheduled for completion and handover in early 2027.
The eco-friendly pitch will be donated to the Affiliated Middle School of East China University of Science and Technology, benefiting over 2,000 students and staff. It will be constructed using materials recycled from old sports shoes through the "Nike Grind" program. Gu Jiqing, Vice President of Shanghai Jiushi (Group) Co., Ltd. and Chairman of Shanghai Shenhua FC, attended the launch ceremony. He stated the project aims to create more sports opportunities for young people and "plant the seeds of love for football and sports in their hearts."
As a key component of the project, Shanghai Shenhua plans to establish "Shanghai Shenhua Little Fan Clubs" in 100 schools across the city in the future, helping more children get to know the club. The public can participate by donating old shoes via the "Nike Grind" mini-program on Alipay.
The launch of this community welfare project comes as the first team's recent form has been mixed. Shenhua's last five results read one win, two draws, and two losses, following a 0-0 away draw with Svay Rieng last weekend. The team's next fixture is an away match against Wuhan Three Towns on October 18.
Despite fluctuating results on the pitch, the club continues its commitment to community engagement and youth football development. This eco-pitch project represents another concrete step in the club's social responsibility and community outreach efforts.
