Paraguay became the first FIFA Member Association in South America to launch the FIFA Arena project. Two mini-pitches near schools were installed in the city of Luque, just outside of Asunción. The first beneficiaries of this project are the Colegio Nacional E.M.D. “Gral. José Elizardo Aquino” and the Colegio Silvio Pettirossi, which collectively serve over 2,600 students. Both institutions, along with the community, will benefit from the mini-pitches and play an active role in their care and maintenance.
The FIFA Arena project
The FIFA ARENA initiative was born from a pledge made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the International Summit on Sports for Sustainable Development held in Paris, France, on July 25, 2024. Part of FIFA’s Football for Schools and Legacy programs, the FIFA Arena project aim to use football as a tool for education, development, and empowerment of children worldwide.
This global effort plans to build 1,000 mini football pitches in rural and disadvantaged urban communities across five continents. Its primary goal is to provide sustainable infrastructure and to create safe, inclusive spaces where children can play, learn, and grow.
The pitches are strategically located near schools, encouraging participation from both students and the local community. Beyond offering recreational value, they are designed to support educational curricula and promote life skills and key competencies through football.
Inaugural smiles in Luque
A joyful ceremony in Luque marked rhe inauguration of the FIFA Arena project. FIFA Vice President and CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez, APF President Robert Harrison, and Paraguay’s Minister of Education and Science, Luis Ramírez, joined FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström to officially cut the ribbon and inaugurate of the two new pitches.
“It was fantastic to be able to go to the FIFA Arena in Paraguay, the first one in South America, and see this school in Luque, and all these kids and the smiles on their faces. We could see that they were looking forward to actually playing a game on that pitch,” Grafström said.
A special highlight of the day was the presentation of sports equipment to students. An experience that reflected the project’s real impact of empowering young people through inclusive, value-based sports education.
Recently in Luque, the FIFA held their congress, which needed the deployment of 5,000 policer offers. It has given the nation extra exposure. Following this event the FIFA Foundation also launched a tech program In Paraguay.
