FIFA, Burkina Faso Football Federation inaugurate mini-pitches to boost grassroots football

The FIFA and the Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF) have inaugurated two FIFA Arena mini-football pitches in Burkina Faso as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots football development and youth empowerment across the country.

The facilities, officially opened on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, are located at the Pissy Primary School complex in Ouagadougou and the Kuinima School in Bobo-Dioulasso.

The inauguration ceremony in Ouagadougou was led by FBF president Oumarou Sawadogo alongside a FIFA delegation headed by Gelson Fernandes.

The initiative forms part of FIFA’s global FIFA Arena project, which seeks to construct 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide by 2030 to improve access to football for young people, particularly those in disadvantaged communities.

Speaking during the inauguration, Fernandes highlighted FIFA’s commitment to youth football development across Africa.

“Youth football is a priority for FIFA,” Fernandes said. “We hope these facilities will help produce future talents like Jonathan Pitroipa, Charles Kaboré, Alain Traoré and Bertrand Traoré, who brought pride and recognition to Burkinabe football.”

Fernandes also confirmed that FIFA had taken note of the FBF’s request to extend the project nationwide.

“We have received the request from the Burkina Faso Football Federation to equip the country with 50 mini-pitches across the 17 regions, and we will continue discussions on how to support that ambition,” he added.

FBF president Oumarou Sawadogo described the project as another major step in the federation’s long-term grassroots football strategy.

“We have applied for a total of 50 pitches, and we hope to gradually equip all 17 regions of Burkina Faso,” Sawadogo stated.

According to the FBF, a third FIFA Arena pitch will soon be inaugurated in Koudougou.

The mini-pitches measure 40 by 20 metres, covering approximately 800 square metres, and are expected to serve both schools and surrounding communities.

The infrastructure was developed with support from the Faso Mêbo agency, with each facility costing more than 12 million FCFA.

The FBF believes the project will improve access to football, encourage youth participation in sport, and contribute to talent identification and development throughout Burkina Faso.