“A ‘terrão’ (earthen field) is an oasis in the urban landscape. The reddish tone of a soccer field turns into a stage for resistance of popular soccer. These fields are increasingly rare to be seen because of property speculation and land occupation, and they standing as a spirit of resilience.

Some of them are owned by local soccer clubs, while others are public spots. Some of them are mainly dirt, while others are made of sand, or even rests of weathered grass. Nevertheless, they are a breath of fresh air for the hard daily lives of those who live in the city outskirts of Sao Paulo.

These fields show the urgency for public and communal places to practice sports and to improve community living, a portrait of those who fight for leisure and a better life in a city like Sao Paulo.”

A stunning series of images by Renato Stockler, showing some of the more unique football pitches you can find in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In the heart of built up urban areas you can still find small pockets of land being used for football. These pitches are a reminder that sport can play a huge role in society and can bring communities together.