Royal Caribbean Group – A New Field of Dreams Opens in Labadee, Haiti

In June 2026, on a bright Saturday filled with energy and anticipation, the Labadee community in Haiti came together to celebrate the soft opening of a new soccer field. The soccer field was made possible through the partnership between Royal Caribbean Group and the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF).

Aligned with Royal Caribbean Group’s SEA the Future platform, which focuses on sustaining the planet, energizing communities, and accelerating innovation, the soccer field represents more than an investment in infrastructure; it reflects a commitment to the people of Labadee. It’s about creating a space where the community can come together, build confidence, and enjoying playing, while strengthening the bonds that hold the community together.

By turning an open field into a place of purpose and possibility, this initiative brings to life what it means to energize communities, offering not just a place to play, but a space where connection, pride, and opportunity can grow side by side.

The debut brought the space to life with spirited matches between the Labadee Site and PADF teams, alongside a friendly game from L’Ecole Nouvelle Royal Caribbean students. From the first whistle, the atmosphere was electric: children racing across the field, cheers from the sidelines, and a strong sense of pride shared across the community.

Designed for both access and longevity, the field will operate as a managed community space, ensuring it remains safe, well-maintained, and available for structured use over time.

Beyond recreation, the field represents something deeper.

‘In a country where challenges are part of everyday reality, the project has achieved far more than a simple initiative,’ said Maryse Penette-Kedar, founder and president of the Fondation Progres et Developpement (PRODEV). ‘It is a gesture of hope, resilience, and faith in what is possible when people come together with purpose and heart.’

Her words underscore the impact of the project: more opportunities for youth, strengthened community ties, and improved long-term resilience. The next phase will focus on training local individuals to manage and maintain the field, ensuring it remains a sustainable, community-led asset for years to come.