Girls play for the planet

adidas and Common Goal team up for environmental project in Mexico   

Home to the largest freshwater body on the Yucatán Peninsula, the young girls of Bacalar are turning the tide on climate change, one goal at a time.  

Where lush landscapes meet rising environmental challenges, the Girls United project is transforming a local football pitch into more than just a place to play. It’s becoming a safe space where sport and sustainability come together, empowering girls with the knowledge and confidence to shape a better future for themselves and their community. 

Climate adapted infrastructure:  

The heart of the project will be the expansion and rehabilitation of Bacalar’s community football pitch from 943 m² to 1,749 m². The upgraded space is designed to withstand extreme weather, with improved drainage to prevent flooding and shaded areas to protect players from the sun. 

Key infrastructure upgrades will include: 

• A metallic green wall structure offering sun protection and improving environmental comfort during play.
• A two-metre-high, 172-metre-long perimeter fence will be installed using cyclone mesh, providing safety and structure to the growing space.
• New synthetic grass made from recycled tires, blending performance with sustainability.
• A rainwater collection system, which will irrigate surrounding bamboo plants and be treated for safe human use, supporting both climate resilience and circular water use.
• Installation of ecological drinking fountains, giving children access to clean, sustainable hydration and reducing plastic waste.

The commitment to sustainability goes beyond the field. The project will also include: 

• Waste separation to support recycling and contribute to the local circular economy.
• An organic composting system, with compost used to nourish the fast-growing bamboo around the pitch—creating a green, shaded environment that gives back to nature.

Education on environmental sustainability through sports:  

Sport is the gateway, but education is the long game. Using the Girls United Methodology, this project blends football with climate action and personal empowerment. 

Through socio-sportive football training, local girls can go beyond learning to play the game, they’re gaining life skills grounded in environmental sustainability. Each session is designed to create a safe, inclusive space where girls can grow in confidence, leadership, and environmental awareness. 

Community management for long-term impact:

To ensure lasting impact, a team of local women coaches will be trained and supported to lead the way as role models and community educators. These coaches will build their capacity in sports-based education, environmental knowledge and social impact—becoming powerful agents of change on and off the pitch.