The first rooftop football pitch in the country, Cherry Turf Philippines, was officially unveiled last 13 December 2022, marking the start of the first rooftop sports experience in the country.
In partnership with SM Supermalls and One Mega's The Game magazine, this project was founded by CEO and President Kevin James Olayvar and Chairman Raf Gastador of Optimal Athletics Inc.
Optimal Athletics Inc. is a sports recreational start-up company that aims to promote sports and social activities and creating opportunities that help mold the development of sports in the Philippines by connecting with various partners that share the same vision of creating a new path for Philippine sports.
The first major project of Optimal Athletics Inc. is the football pitch located at SM Cherry Shaw in Mandaluyong, its official venue partner. SM Supermalls supports OAI in elevating the mall experience, from retail to dining and now sports.
"We are constantly evolving to cater to our diverse customers, innovating the football scene in the Philippines with the first rooftop football pitch using FIFA preferred producer LIMONTA Artificial Turf," said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.
"The football field is around quarter or one-fourth of the regular size football field. This is an attractive and competitive size in the context of the football community here in the Philippines. This will welcome small and big groups altogether to experience the sport and provide them a substantial amount of space, not too little and not too overwhelming. Just perfect for those casual pick-up games or even company team building activities," he added.
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The goal of having the new rooftop football pitch is to create leagues/series that would become the staple event of the Cherry Turf, with a plan to engage existing communities and also incite interest and create new groups within the community to experience football. Optimal Athletics Inc. plans to develop the entire rooftop, not just focusing on the pitch but also creating an environment that is welcoming for both football and non-football enthusiasts. A place where people can sit back, relax, eat, and drink while watching people play football.
