Back in 2010, Nike made its first foray into Soweto by establishing a football centre, providing local youth with a place to gather and develop their sports capabilities.
It was hugely successful, but after years of use, needed a refresh and a broadening of its mission. To transform the soccer-focused centre into a multidisciplinary sports destination that encourages social, educational and creative opportunities too, Nike enlisted the services of Joburg-based architecture outfit C76, who collaborated with Futura Design Agency and the sports brand to create this safe and freely accessible area for the community.
During the design process, consultations with community members resulted in the addition of a new community hub. The space includes a professionally designed skatepark by Olympic skateboarder Dallas Oberholzer of Indigo Youth Movement, basketball courts, five-a-side soccer fields, an athletics oval, and a cross-country running track that surrounds the centre.
