Former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva was at the forefront of a new football venue to aid children in his home country of Brazil.

Gilberto led the unveiling of ta pitch located at the Complexo da Penha favela in northern Rio de Janeiro on Saturday as part of Street Child United and GM Chevrolet's drive to protect children from street violence.

"I was at the Street Child World Cup and I saw what impact it had on the empowerment of street children from around the world," Silva, an ambassador for Street Child United, said.

"I'm proud to officially open this pitch in Rio which provides a safe football space for children who are at risk of the streets."

The pitch includes flood lighting to allow children to participate in evening games while coaching sessions will also be provided to the kids over the next year.

Joe Hewitt of Street Child United said: "Street Child United is delighted with the new GM Chevrolet pitch.

"The streets in this part of Rio are extremely dangerous for the children to play and this pitch will be a safe zone where kids can be kids."