The FIFA Arena Mini Football Pitch at AD Patel College in Ba has been officially inaugurated, marking a historic milestone as the first FIFA Arena facility in the Oceania region.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, FIFA Regional Director for Asia & Oceania Sanjeevan Balasingam congratulated all stakeholders who contributed towards delivering the project.
“It is a great privilege to be here with you to inaugurate this FIFA Arena mini pitch, the first of its kind in Oceania. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed their time, effort, resources and commitment in making this possible. Projects like this do not happen without the dedication of many people. Like on the pitch, it is a team sport and a team effort,” Balasingam said.
He also acknowledged that Suva Muslim College has completed its own FIFA Arena pitch, making the two facilities the first FIFA Arena mini pitches in the Oceania region.
“We also recognise Suva Muslim College, which has completed its own FIFA Arena pitch. Combined, these FIFA Arena pitches are the first in Oceania,” he said.
Balasingam highlighted the strong strategic direction of the Fiji Football Association, noting that the federation’s Totolo Futupolo framework has established a clear football development pathway for the country.
“Through the Totolo Futupolo framework, Fiji FA has created a clear football curriculum and development pathway that is already producing tangible results across the football ecosystem, including the historic qualification of various national youth teams to FIFA competitions,” he said.
He also acknowledged the ongoing investment in football infrastructure in Fiji, including the development of the Fiji FA headquarters in Suva, the Ba Academy of Football, and the upcoming Labasa Football Academy.
Balasingam said the FIFA Arena initiative complements the
Fiji FA’s long-term vision for football development.
“Under the leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the global ambition is to build 1,000 mini pitches to ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has access to a safe and high-quality place to play the beautiful game and give every talent a chance,” he said.
He added that FIFA Arena pitches are designed to serve as community spaces that promote development beyond football.
“These FIFA Arena pitches are more than just pieces of infrastructure. They are spaces where communities gather, where young people learn teamwork and discipline, where health and well-being are strengthened and where the dreams of the next generation can begin,” Balasingam said.
Addressing the students and youth in attendance, Balasingam encouraged them to make the most of the new facility.
“To the students and youth of Fiji and to the communities around this school, this is your arena. Dream big, play fair, support each other and enjoy every moment on this field,” he added.
