FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday inaugurated Guyana’s first FIFA Arena Mini-Pitch at Haslington, East Coast Demerara, marking a significant step in efforts to expand grassroots football and provide more young people with access to safe and accessible sporting facilities.
The November 5 inauguration forms part of FIFA’s global initiative to establish at least 1,000 mini-pitches across the world by 2031. Guyana is among the countries benefiting from the programme, with a second facility at Retrieve, Linden, also completed.
The Haslington mini-pitch is expected to benefit approximately 2,500 boys and girls, providing a dedicated space for football development while supporting FIFA’s Football for Schools (F4S) programme and other community-based grassroots initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Infantino said the facility represented more than a sporting venue, describing it as a place where children could develop their ambitions and gain opportunities regardless of their background or location.
“This FIFA Arena is a place where dreams come true and where hope can become reality. This is why I am so happy to be here with you today.”
He reiterated FIFA’s commitment to making football accessible to all, including communities that have traditionally had limited access to quality sporting infrastructure.
“Our vision and mission at FIFA are simple: football belongs to everyone, everywhere in the world, in every corner of the world. Football belongs to everyone, including the people of Haslington and the people of Guyana.”
Infantino said the initiative was intended to create opportunities for children to play, develop their abilities and believe in their potential, emphasising the importance of investing in grassroots football and education.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. said the long-term value of the investment should be measured by the opportunities it creates for young people rather than solely by the cost of constructing the facilities.
“The value of this investment cannot be measured simply in dollars and cents on a balance sheet. Its real value lies in the opportunities it creates for young people to participate in sport, discover their abilities and develop their potential over many years.”
Ramson said the facilities could help young people pursue professional sporting ambitions, while also contributing to their development as responsible and productive members of society.
He cautioned that constructing the infrastructure was only the first step, arguing that its real worth would depend on how effectively it was used over the years.
“A pitch is an investment, but its true return will be realised over the next 10, 15 and 20 years. It will be reflected in a young person discovering their talent, a young girl developing confidence, a community finding common ground through sport and, perhaps one day, a young Guyanese representing our country on football’s biggest stage.”
Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde described the two facilities as an important addition to the country’s grassroots football infrastructure, particularly given the challenges smaller footballing nations face in providing young players with access to quality facilities.
“For smaller footballing nations like Guyana, investments of this nature are particularly important. They create opportunities that were once beyond our reach, giving more young people the chance to experience the game, develop their abilities and aspire to compete at the international level.”
Forde said the mini-pitches would complement FIFA’s Football for Schools programme by linking suitable playing facilities with organised football activities in schools and communities.
He confirmed that the Retrieve facility in Linden had also been completed and expressed the GFF’s intention to expand the initiative through collaboration with FIFA, the Government, the private sector and other stakeholders.
The GFF president said the Federation wanted the facilities to become active centres for football development, enabling schools, teachers, coaches and Regional Associations to organise structured activities, strengthen players’ skills and identify promising talent from an early age.
However, he stressed that the responsibility now rested with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the facilities were properly maintained and consistently used.
“Our responsibility now is to ensure that these facilities are not simply built, but are consistently and purposefully utilised to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits to our communities.”
The FIFA Arena initiative is designed to expand access to football, particularly among children, schools and underserved communities. The all-weather mini-pitches are intended to encourage participation, physical activity, learning and social development.
The Football for Schools programme also uses football as an educational tool to promote life skills and positive values among children.
The Haslington inauguration was attended by Forde, Ramson, Minister Steven Jacobs, GFF Second Vice-President Rawlston Adams, Third Vice-President Deon Innis, members of the GFF Council and other stakeholders.
With both the Haslington and Retrieve facilities completed, attention will now turn to ensuring that schools, communities and football organisations make meaningful use of the infrastructure.
The challenge will be to translate the investment into sustained opportunities for young people—not simply by giving them somewhere to play, but by creating pathways through which they can develop their skills, build confidence and contribute to the future of Guyanese football.
