Morocco has become the latest African Member Association (MA) beneficiary of the FIFA Arena Project following the inauguration of a mini-pitch in Meknes, north of the country.
The facility at the Halima Al-Saadiya School is the first in the North African country and is expected to serve over 2000 students from neighbouring schools including Hay Salam School, Salah Eddine Al Ayoubi School and Al Mofgaddali High School.
The Halima Saadia School in Meknes will benefit from this modern and sustainable facility, which will offer students a safe and motivating space to play football.
The project is expected to have a huge impact for the children from the underprivileged neighbours by giving them an opportunity to play football in ideal conditions, promoting social inclusion, personal development as well as their passion for the sport.
The mini-pitch is equipped with FIFA-certified artificial turf, offering the new generation opportunities to develop their sporting skills and build promising future prospects.
The ceremony was graced by legendary Moroccan players such as Aziz Bouderbala, Mustafa El Haddaoui, officials of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Ministry of Sports, amongst others.
Algeria was the first African MA to benefit from the initiative, before Liberia and recently Niger.
The FIFA Arena Project is part of a global initiative to build mini-pitches worldwide, in line with the commitment made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Sustainable Sport Summit in Paris in July 2024.
The project supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by offering playing opportunities to children especially in disadvantaged urban and rural areas.
