ORLIK – WHAT KIND OF SPORTS FIELD IS IT AND ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES?

2025-07-09
Tips and news

Sports fields are a common element of residential areas in Poland. Among them, the popular “Orlik” complexes hold a special place, encouraging children, youth, and adults to stay active. What exactly are they? What alternatives exist and can also motivate people to spend their free time actively? We explain!

ORLIK – WHAT IS IT?

Orliks are sports field complexes built under the government program “My Pitch – Orlik 2012”. The initiative was launched ahead of the UEFA European Championship held in Poland and Ukraine in 2012. The name “Orlik” refers to the eagle, a symbol from the Polish national emblem.

A typical Orlik complex consists of two fields:
  • a football pitch with artificial turf,
  • a multi-purpose court for basketball and volleyball.
Each Orlik also includes locker room facilities, lighting for evening use, and fencing. These complexes are open to the public and serve local communities. They are not just places to play sports but also spaces that bring people together, promote an active lifestyle, and provide opportunities for exercise regardless of age or skill level.

WHAT WAS AND IS THE ORLIK PROJECT?

The “My Pitch – Orlik 2012” program is one of the largest sports infrastructure projects in Poland’s history. Launched in 2008, its goal was to create modern, publicly accessible sports complexes in every municipality. The aim was to improve access to sports facilities and promote physical activity, especially among children and youth.

Initially, the program planned to build 2,012 complexes by 2012. In reality, over 2,600 complexes were created across the country. Funding came from both the state budget and local governments, with total investments reaching approximately PLN 970 million.1

Orlik Animator

The program also had a social dimension. Alongside building infrastructure, it aimed to ensure active use of the facilities. That is why the “Animator – My Pitch Orlik 2012” program was introduced.2 It employed qualified sports instructors responsible for organizing activities and engaging local communities in sports.3

Orlik 2022 and later editions

The Orlik program continues today. New editions, such as Orlik 2022 and 2025, focus on modernization and renovation of existing facilities. Funding supports upgrades and maintenance of previously built complexes.4 5

Orlik pitch dimensions

A standard football pitch in an Orlik complex measures 30 × 62 m and features artificial turf.

The multi-purpose court measures 19.1 × 32.1 m and includes markings for basketball and volleyball. The complex also includes locker rooms, showers, toilets, and storage facilities, and is enclosed by fencing approximately 4–6 meters high.

ALTERNATIVES TO ORLIK

Although the Orlik program significantly improved access to sports infrastructure, such complexes are not always feasible. In smaller areas, alternatives include mini football pitches, outdoor gyms, and street workout parks.

Mini football pitches

These compact facilities, although smaller than Orlik complexes, provide excellent opportunities for sports and recreation.


MINI FOOTBALL PITCH 15.00 × 10.00M – made of galvanized steel profiles

Mini football pitches are versatile. They can be used for games, recreational activities, and community events. They are also much more affordable than building a full Orlik complex.

You may also be interested in: Essential football equipment – field setup

Street workout parks and outdoor gyms

Street workout parks include bars, rails, and ladders for outdoor exercise. They take up little space while allowing for a wide range of strength and fitness training.

Outdoor gyms offer simple exercise machines such as rowers, steppers, and butterfly machines. They are accessible to people of all ages.


Today, physical activity is often replaced by digital entertainment. That is why access to attractive and functional sports facilities is extremely valuable. Any initiative aimed at creating new spaces for sports and outdoor exercise deserves recognition and support.

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