FIFA Launches New Football Pitches for Children in West Bank
Two new football pitches have been inaugurated in the West Bank villages of Marah Rabah, Bethlehem Governorate, and Qusain, Nablus Governorate, as part of the FIFA Arena initiative. The project is a collaboration between the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
The PFA announced the initiative on Facebook, stating the pitches aim to provide safe and accessible sports spaces for children and community members to play football, engage in sports activities, and participate in regular group events. The facilities will continue to be used for children's football programs, community sports, and local activities after the opening events conclude.
The launch coincided with the FIFA Arena, Unite for Peace Kids Cup tournament, running from September 21 to 25 in Marah Rabah and Qusain. The tournament features boys' and girls' competitions with eight teams per location, comprising four boys' and four girls' teams in the under-14 category, allowing over 100 children to participate in matches and sports activities over five days.
The PFA highlighted the initiative's importance for children in these communities, given the challenges they face in accessing regular sports and recreational facilities. Despite difficulties related to site access and field conditions, collaboration among the involved parties ensured the project's completion.
An official opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, September 25, with representatives from the Swiss Representative Office, FIFA, the PFA, and local community leaders in attendance. However, the pitches have already begun hosting children, with the tournament serving as the starting point for their use in community sports activities.
