Former Patrice Evra has teamed up with logistics giant DHL as part of its “Delivering Dreams†campaign, an initiative focused on using sport to support community development.
A Football Pitch Delivered to Rural Thailand
As part of its ongoing partnership with Manchester United, DHL has constructed a FIFA-standard synthetic football pitch in Mae Suek, a rural area in northern Thailand located over 140 kilometers from Chiang Mai.
The project aims to provide local children with access to quality sports infrastructure in a region where such facilities are limited.
Evra Leads First Training Session
To inaugurate the new facility, DHL invited Evra, one of Manchester United’s iconic former players, to the site. The French ex-international led the first training session on the pitch alongside local children, marking the official opening of the project.
Evra’s involvement adds a high-profile ambassadorial presence to the initiative, reinforcing the campaign’s connection to elite football and community engagement.
Logistics Behind the Project
The construction and delivery of the pitch required significant logistical coordination:
- Equipment was transported over nearly 800 kilometers from Bangkok
- Five trucks were used to deliver materials over a two-day journey
- The site required extensive preparation, including clearing, excavation, and leveling of mountainous terrain
- A traditional blessing ceremony was conducted by members of the local Hmong community
Long-Term Community Impact
The 9-a-side pitch has been built to standards comparable to Manchester United’s training base at Carrington. It is expected to benefit more than 1,000 students from nearby schools and villages.
In addition to daily use, the facility will host regional tournaments and serve as a scouting and development venue for local football pathways, including connections to the Chiang Mai FC academy system.
Broader Initiative and Club Involvement
The campaign also features messages of support from current Manchester United figures, including club captain Bruno Fernandes and midfielder Mason Mount, further strengthening the link between the club and the community-focused project.
DHL’s “Delivering Dreams†initiative reflects a growing trend among global brands leveraging sports partnerships not only for visibility, but also to deliver tangible social impact in underserved regions.