From Vision to Reality: First FIFA Arena Pitch Completed Through TCIFA and Government Partnership Expanding Community Football Access
The Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) is proud to announce the successful completion of the first FIFA Arena mini-pitch at Kew Town Park, marking a major milestone in expanding access to football across the Islands.
With one pitch now complete, attention turns to the Adelaide Oemler Primary School in North Caicos, where the second FIFA Arena pitch is expected to be completed within the next week.
This achievement forms part of FIFA’s global FIFA Arena initiative, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, which aims to deliver at least 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide, creating more opportunities for children to play the game and fostering development within communities.
A Vision Realized Through Strong Partnership
For TCIFA President Sonia Fulford, this milestone represents the realization of a long-standing vision.
“This initiative holds deep personal significance for me, as it reflects something I have advocated for over many years, bringing accessible football facilities into our communities. While earlier efforts did not come to fruition, I remained confident that this was exactly what our country needed. To now see it delivered through the FIFA Arena programme is incredibly rewarding.”
President Fulford emphasized that the successful delivery of the project reflects the strength of collaboration between FIFA, TCIFA, and the Turks & Caicos Islands Government.
“We are grateful to FIFA for leading this global initiative and for bringing this opportunity to the Turks & Caicos Islands. At the local level, TCIFA worked in close partnership with the Government and key stakeholders to support the successful delivery of the project on the ground.”
She added, “The Government played a critical role in the execution of these projects, including the preparation and completion of the sub-base, support with logistics in facilitating the arrival of materials into the Turks & Caicos Islands, and assistance on the ground during the installation process. Importantly, the Government will also play a key role in the ongoing maintenance and oversight of these facilities to ensure their long-term sustainability and benefit to our communities.”
President Fulford also commended the Government’s leadership:
“I must commend the Government of the Turks & Caicos Islands, and in particular the Hon. Rachel Taylor and her team, for their decisive leadership and unwavering support. Their willingness to embrace this initiative and move with purpose has been instrumental in bringing these facilities to life for our people.”
The Hon. Minister also shared her remarks on the significance of the initiative:
“This project represents a meaningful investment in our communities and our young people. Through this partnership with FIFA and the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association, we have been able to deliver high-quality sporting infrastructure that expands access to the game across our islands. The Government remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote youth development, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement, and we will ensure these facilities are properly maintained for the long-term benefit of our people.”
A Lasting Investment in Youth and Community
The FIFA Arena pitches are designed to provide safe, high-quality playing spaces for children and young people, particularly in communities where access to sporting facilities has been limited.
“These facilities represent a powerful investment in our youth and in the future of our country. They are spaces where potential will be discovered, confidence will be built, and dreams will begin to take shape, both on and off the field.”
President Fulford also issued a call to the public:
“As we celebrate this milestone, I am encouraging our communities to take pride in these facilities. We must all play our part in protecting, caring for, and preserving them. These pitches belong to our youth, and their longevity depends on the respect and responsibility we show as a people.”
Looking Ahead
With the North Caicos pitch nearing completion, TCIFA is already looking toward future opportunities to expand the programme.
“It is my sincere hope that the successful delivery of these two pitches will position the Turks & Caicos Islands to benefit from additional FIFA Arena installations. The need across our islands is clear, and we remain committed to continuing this important work for our communities.”
An official inauguration ceremony, led by FIFA representatives, is expected to take place in the coming weeks to formally mark the completion of both facilities.