Chelsea renovate community pitch in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Chelsea have completed the renovation of a futsal pitch in Guasmo Norte, Guayaquil, Ecuador, as part of the club's global Can't Tame Us campaign tied to the 2026/27 third kit launch.

The refurbished pitch is located in one of the city's most densely populated neighbourhoods and is intended to serve as a shared outdoor space for local children, families and residents. The project is aimed at making football more accessible to the next generation.

Ecuador holds particular significance for Chelsea, as the country is home to midfielder Moises Caicedo, the club's Men's Player of the Year for the 2024/25 season, and teenager Kendry Paez, who recently returned from a loan spell to join Chelsea's Cobham Next Gen squad. Guayaquil is Paez's home city.

The official opening took place on 17 September, with Ecuadorian singer Javier Neira, known for La Tri, performing three songs at the ceremony. Several influencers, including Anthony Lencina, Camilo Balladares, Francisco Molestina, Israel Vera and Santiago Morales, attended alongside Chelsea representatives and local residents.

The Guayaquil project is the third community facility Chelsea have refurbished this summer under the Can't Tame Us initiative, following renovations in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where thousands of fans have already visited and used the renewed pitches.

Chelsea brand director Scott Fenton said: "Ecuador has a special connection with Chelsea and has produced incredible players such as Moises Caicedo, and fantastic talents like Kendry Paez. We want to build on that connection by inspiring and empowering future generations of fans and young footballers, giving them the opportunity to discover their potential, develop their skills and dream big. This community space is an important part of that commitment."