Generation Amazing refurbishes Jordan pitch

Generation Amazing,an initiative launched in 2009 by the Supreme Committee for Delivery andLegacy (SC) to bring positive change to the region using the power offootball, has recently refurbished its football pitch in Al-Shameyeh,Jordan, by installing solar panels that enable the site to be used longinto the night.Due to safety fears the pitches had previously beenunusable after sunset. However, the installation of the innovative newpanels enables hours of extra use each day, meaning more young peoplecan benefit from use of the pitch and develop vital social skills thatwill help them build stronger communities.Isolated from nearby Aqabawith little in the way of utilities or general services, this latestdevelopment highlights the importance of the Generation Amazing pitch toAl-Shameyeh. Supported by Generation Amazing community coaches,teachers educate young people about issues such as responsibility forthe environment through football, helping participants build sustainablebehaviours that help themselves and their communities. Commentingon the new panels, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Senior Manager,Isabel Gultresa, said: “Previously, use of this facility had to ceaseafter sundown due to safety fears. However, through this rehabilitationproject, we are both showing the next generation how to live sustainablyand extending the valuable services Generation Amazing provides. Theinnovative solar panels next to the playing field will now allow thecommunity to safely use the pitches for up to 5-6 hours after sunset.” Aqabapitch is the first safe play space in Al-Shameyeh, which lies on theoutskirts of Aqaba in Jordan. It gives schoolchildren and young peopleaccess to a facility that will encourage them to leave the streets,engage in community-building activities and, most importantly, enjoy thebeautiful game together.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)International Projects Manager, Rosa D’Alessandro, added: “Thespotlights were changed from halogen to LED to improve energyefficiency, while we also took this opportunity to refurbish of theguard’s office, replace broken windows and install a protective grid toprotect windows from future damage. “The response has been fantasticand I’m delighted so many more people now have the opportunity to buildmore inclusive, sustainable and healthier communities.” Importantly,although classes are segregated, all activities are open to both girlsand boys, ensuring everyone is given an equal opportunity to developvital skills such as leadership, communication and teamwork. In thisway, Generation Amazing will reach 3,125 beneficiaries every yearthrough this pitch alone.In 2016, Generation Amazing’s deliverypartner Right To Play provided daily support in the delivery of theFootball for Development programme in Jordan. Football tournaments, playdays and friendly but competitive leagues were all used to embedsustainable positive behaviours among participants. So far,Generation Amazing has reached 26 communities through 26 pitches in fivedifferent countries, benefiting more than 35,000 participates to-date.It is a movement that uses the power of football as a catalyst forsocial change to educate and empower the next generation in Qatar andbeyond. By 2022, it will have reached more than one million people,leveraging the opportunity presented by Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFAWorld Cup to connect sport’s powerful bodies and superstars with thosemost in need. sc.qa