Lay's RePlay and UEFA today in Scampia: new “sustainable” football pitch inaugurated

Today, the Scampia neighborhood of Naples was the fulcrum of a significant event focused on sport, inclusion and sustainability: a celebration open to all sports associations and the local community. The inauguration of the new environmentally and socially responsible football pitch represents the second Italian stage of the project Lay's RePlayIn partnership with UEFA Foundation for Children e Common Goal. 

"Making the joy of sports more accessible to everyone is a fundamental goal of Lay's RePlay – declares Marcello Pincelli, CEO of PepsiCo Italy – This project embodies transformation and sustainability, from reusing empty crisp packets to creating football pitches donated to local communities. The aim is to combine a passion for sport, social inclusion and environmental protection to foster a 360° positive impact".

To date, Lay’s RePlay has successfully led to the creation of football facilities in several parts of the world, including South Africa, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, the United States and Italy, the latter with the inauguration of the first pitch in Turin at Casa del Quartiere Cecchi Point, in May 2022. The Turin facility, since its opening, has been used more than 20.000 times, providing 1225 hours of sports activities and training for participants and 213 hours of events and special activities dedicated to the community.

Today's inauguration event took place in the heart of the Neapolitan neighborhood of Scampia and was welcomed with enthusiasm by all the participants. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by the Mayor Gaetano Manfredi together with Marcello Pincelli. Among the guests who took part in the initiative were people such as Ciro Ferrara, famous former Italian footballer and UEFA Legend, e Frank Matano, a much-loved comedian with a deep connection to his homeland, Naples, who helped engage and entertain the young participants, while also spreading important messages related to the Lay's RePlay initiative. 

"Sport is much more than a competition: it is an opportunity to grow, learn respect for others and for the environment around us. – declares Ciro Ferrara, former defender of Napoli and Juventus - The new soccer field in Scampia aims to be a tangible symbol of how sport can be an extraordinary tool for social change."