A modest ceremony in Bosilovo marked the opening today of the first football pitch in Macedonia built as part of the global „FIFA Arena“ project, a FIFA initiative aimed at developing grassroots football and creating better conditions for children and young people.
The opening of the new pitch was attended by FFM President Masar Omeragić, FFM General Secretary Leonid Jendreoski, FIFA Director of Member Associations Elkan Mammadov, representatives of the local government of Bosilovo, as well as former footballers and children from local football schools.
In his address, the FFM President emphasised that every new football pitch represents a new opportunity, hope and inspiration for younger generations, stressing that the „FIFA Arena“ project is of tremendous importance for the future of Macedonian football.
„This is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the future of children, in their health, socialising and proper development. Through projects like this, we are sending a strong message that every child deserves the opportunity to play football, regardless of where they live and regardless of the conditions,“ said the FFM President.
In his address, he expressed his gratitude to FIFA, President Gianni Infantino and Elkan Mammadov for their support and vision in implementing the project in Macedonia.
„The Football Federation of Macedonia will continue to invest in the development of infrastructure and grassroots football, because children are the most important foundation of every success. The more opportunities we create for them, the more we contribute to healthy habits, sporting spirit and a better future. This is only the beginning. Bosilovo and Turnovo are among the first, but soon many other municipalities will also become part of this wonderful story,“ said Omeragić.
The new pitch will be used by local football schools and the teams involved in the „Football in Schools“ project.
„Every boy and every girl deserves the opportunity to play football and have a safe place where they can learn the game and develop. That is the idea behind FIFA Arena. This new pitch is a gift to the children of Macedonia. Our goal is to build 1,000 new pitches around the world. The FIFA Arena team will ensure that future generations, especially children from urban and rural areas with fewer opportunities, get the chance to play football. I wish you lots of happiness and enjoy the game,“ said Elkan Mammadov.
