Hypermarket chain Homeplus said Monday it plans to open 10 rooftop futsal fields by the end of the year.

Working in partnership with sports marketing company HM Sports, Homeplus opened its first rooftop futsal, or five-a-side soccer, field atop its branch in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, last May. Open to futsal clubs and locals, the field drew more than 14,000 children in the following 10 months, according to the company.

This month, Homeplus will open two additional fields at its branches in Goyang and Bucheon in Gyeonggi Province. The fields are 42 meters by 22 meters following international standards, and are fitted with safety cushions to prevent injury to the players.

Homeplus will partner with local soccer clubs such as FC Seoul and Bucheon FC 1995 to provide classes for children. It is planning to hold a national youth futsal tournament in the first half of the year.

“Homeplus’ HM Futsal Park utilizes the accessibility and space of hypermarkets to provide much-needed sports facilities and grow together with the community,” said Lim Chun-taik, the head of Homeplus’ Mall Living Team. 

By Won Ho-jung (hjwon@heraldcorp.com)