EA SPORTS and LALIGA launch a community football pitch in Mexico as part of global grassroots initiative, FC FUTURES

FC FUTURES is EA SPORTS plan to meaningfully invest in community-level football through product innovation, community investment and partner initiatives across the foundations of football.

Together, EA SPORTS FC and LALIGA share a common goal to continue growing football from the ground up and the launch of the La Venta del Astillero pitch in Jalisco is a key component of a larger global endeavor set out by the partnership, which has seen similar football pitches being refurbished in prime locations in recent weeks, including Singapore, South Africa, and Malaga.

Designed by Mexican artist Trasheer, the pitch is inspired by Mexican culture, especially pre-Hispanic art. The designs feature key elements like the Jaguar and Eagle warriors, symbols of strength and skill in Aztec culture.

With the help of LALIGA legend Rafael Marquez and DIF Zapopan, the impressive pitch will now be available to the local community seven days a week, embodying the project's mission to provide inclusive, safe, and accessible football spaces in Mexico and across the world.

The 350m² football pitch was revealed for the first time earlier today at Habiliteca la Venta del Astiller. The event was attended by Fernando Morientes, former LALIGA and Premier League footballer who led a training session with local children from Ajolotes FC, a community club that nurtures young footballers aged between 6 and 14. Going forward, the pitch will serve as the home ground for Ajolotes FC as well as the venue for the "Campeones del Futuro" program, a Zapopan Government initiative which provides free football training sessions to the wider community.

"We are incredibly proud to unveil this new football pitch in Jalisco, marking our fifth global collaboration with LALIGA in the past twelve months.” said James Salmon, Senior Director, Marketing at EA SPORTS FC, “Through FC FUTURES we aim to nurture passion for football, providing players and coaches with access to virtual training practices driven by our in-game technology and access to physical pitches in locations across the world.”

“To have the opportunity to give back to Mexican society what they have given us is key for LALIGA. This project, developed together with EA SPORTS, is a great way to do that. We are sure that together we will continue to inspire the world through the values of football and by helping children and young people follow their dreams”, said Jorge de la Vega, Executive Director of LALIGA.

"We have been working in collaboration with local authorities and DIF Zapopan to address vulnerable areas, support families, and above all, increase exposure to sports as a means to help young people overcome vices, apathy or depression. My greatest commitment is to give back to Mexico, a part of what it has given me, and there's no better way to do this than through football," said Rafael Marquez. The work of Rafa Marquez and DIF Zapopan has resulted in significant community impact thanks to shared initiatives, including adaptive sports programs and donations of essential items such as blankets and food, they’ve been able to assist numerous families in need.

Beyond the pitch, EA SPORTS FC Futures is committed to equipping the next generation of football fans with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive. By creating a platform that unites real-world football with the virtual game, EA SPORTS FC Futures aims to inspire, empower, and cultivate a new generation of players.

In the last 12 months EA SPORTS and LALIGA have made significant investments in community football on a worldwide scale, encompassing the restoration of football pitches, donations of football balls and sports equipment, offering scholarships at the LALIGA Academy center, and providing professional digital training by football legends.