Work begins on Pakistan’s first FIFA Arena pitch in Lahore: PFF
Taha Bodlah:
Lahore:The Pakistan Football Federation has announced that work has begun on installing the country’s first FIFA Arena pitch.
The country’s inaugural FIFA Arena pitch is being established at a government school in Sabzazar, Lahore, according to the federation. The development marked a significant milestone in the promotion of football at grassroots level in Pakistan, the PFF stated, adding that it is working in partnership with provincial governments and public educational institutions.
A FIFA Arena is a standardised, high-quality mini pitch designed to promote football in schools, neighbourhoods and public spaces. Two such pitches have already arrived in Pakistan.
PFF President Mohsen Gilani said the initiative reflects efforts to translate international-level projects into practical measures within the country.
“Football must be accessible to every child,” he said, adding that the Lahore pitch is the beginning of several such projects. A second pitch will be initiated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while more facilities are being brought into Pakistan.
He said that 11 FIFA Arena pitches have so far received approval, while a request has been submitted for an additional 15 pitches to expand the programme nationwide.
