Nike 'Football in the Gap' pitch to open in Christchurch

A temporary artificial small-sided football pitch is to open in the middle of Christchurch's CBD.

The Nike 'Football in the Gap' pitch is a new collaboration between the All Whites, Nike Football and Gap Filler and is located opposite the Ibis Hotel in Christchurch's earthquake ravaged 'red zone'.

Spokeswoman Jade Hurst said it had been designed to be an "an inclusive space open to anyone and everyone who loves football", adding "the vacant red-zone space will be transformed into something really fantastic for the

Christchurch community - a football pitch that will invite everyone to come together, have a kick around and bring some life back into the CBD."

The five-aside pitch measures 27.5 metres by 18.15 metres and is expected to remain in place for several months, Hurst explaining "this is a pop-up pitch, not a pop-up and go pitch. It will be in place long enough for it to make some impact and for football lovers to enjoy it."

The pitch will be opened on Monday by Cantabrian and All Whites player Ben Sigmund who will hand over the project to the Christchurch City Council.

The opening will feature a five-a-side football knockout tournament for local children with prizes including tickets to next week's All Whites World Cup qualifier against Tahiti.

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