Santa Cruz inaugurates its FIFA Arena to boost youth football

Santa Cruz, Bolivia, took a significant step in bolstering its sports infrastructure with the inauguration of a new FIFA Arena on Thursday. Located on the outskirts of the Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera stadium, this facility is primarily designed for children and youth football.

The new field boasts a Quality Pro synthetic turf surface, measuring 40 by 20 meters, and is fully enclosed to ensure safety during sports activities. This high-quality turf meets stringent international standards for such venues.

Fernando Costa, president of the Bolivian Football Federation (FBF), attended the opening and highlighted the project's importance in providing enhanced conditions for young footballers. "I deeply thank FIFA and the authorities who have helped us make this a reality. It is the second pitch in Bolivia; we opened the first in La Paz on Wednesday. Now the boys and young people have this modern space to enjoy football," Costa stated.

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I deeply thank FIFA and the authorities who have helped us make this a reality. It is the second pitch in Bolivia; we opened the first in La Paz on Wednesday. Now the boys and young people have this modern space to enjoy football.

A FIFA commission was also present to oversee the arena's launch, part of FIFA's broader initiative to expand football practice and training facilities across the country. Pablo Escobar, FBF's Director of Development, revealed the FIFA Arena cost approximately $110,000, aiming to create accessible spaces for nurturing new generations of players.

Juan Pablo Velasco, the governor of Santa Cruz, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project. "All this effort is for the children. I want to thank and congratulate the president of the Bolivian Football Federation, Fernando Costa. In three months, together with the Governorate, we managed the process and got the pitch," he said. With this opening, Santa Cruz joins La Paz in hosting a FIFA Arena, underscoring the FBF's commitment to fostering youth football development nationwide.

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All this effort is for the children. I want to thank and congratulate the president of the Bolivian Football Federation, Fernando Costa. In three months, together with the Governorate, we managed the process and got the pitch.