The Malagasy Football Association has renovated and opened the Carion National Technical Centre thanks to a USD 2.7 million investment from the FIFA Forward Programme
The centre boasts the country’s first FIFA Quality Pro-certified pitch and will host 25 U-17 players from the Talent Development Programme
Madagascar opens its first FIFA Arena in Ampangabe
Madagascar’s football community celebrated a historic weekend on 17 and 18 October as the Malagasy Football Association (FMF) inaugurated two major facilities developed with FIFA’s support: the fully renovated Carion National Technical Centre, and Madagascar’s first FIFA Arena in Ampangabe, in the Ambohidratrimo District. Together, the two complementary facilities cover every stage of a footballer’s development, from the school playground through to the national team.
In a video message, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated the organisation’s philosophy behind these projects: “We always say that talent is everywhere. But opportunity is not. And that is exactly why we created the FIFA Forward Programme: to give every FIFA member association the means to build its own future.”
A new-look technical centre at Carion
For nearly two decades, the Carion National Technical Centre has been one of the cornerstones of football development in Madagascar. Its renovation has been funded by the FIFA Forward Programme, which includes improvements to the dormitories, dining hall and auditorium, the construction of a new covered stand with 600 seats and new artificial turf. With FIFA Quality Pro certification, it is the first pitch in the country to meet these high standards.
“This is an investment of 2.7 million US dollars. But it’s much more than buildings”, said Gianni Infantino. “It’s a home for your national teams, for your young talents, for women’s football and for your coaches. For girls and boys, women and men.”
By bringing accommodation, physical conditioning and technical training together on one site, the centre can now host longer, more regular training camps. The opening ceremony also featured the official presentation of a new bus, funded by FIFA to the tune of nearly USD 200,000, which will make it easier for the national teams to travel.
An academy for the country’s rising stars
The National Technical Centre will also become the base for the national academy, which is set to accommodate 25 U-17 players. They were identified as part of the FIFA Talent Development Programme, following a selection process involving 80 young players from different regions of the country.
The programme combines training with education, so that these teenagers can continue their studies whilst making progress on the pitch.
“These achievements represent a significant step forward for Malagasy football”, said Alfred Randriamanampisoa, President of the FMF. “The Carion National Technical Centre will play a key role in the preparation of all our national teams, the development of our coaches and the nurturing of young talent through the Talent Development Programme.”
Football from an early age
The weekend also saw the opening of Madagascar’s first FIFA Arena, located within the Ambohibary Public Primary School in Ampangabe. This secure mini-pitch is primarily aimed at boys and girls aged 4 to 14, who now have a quality space to play football right at the heart of their community.
The FIFA Arena project plans to install 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide by 2031. Its ambition goes beyond talent identification. These spaces are designed as places where children can be active, learn to play together and build connections through football. “Each child deserves to play in a safe space”, continued the FIFA President.
“Through the FIFA Arena project, we aim to provide children with more opportunities to play football, right at the heart of their schools and communities”, added Mr Randriamanampisoa. “We sincerely thank FIFA for its continued support to the development of Malagasy football.”
The two sites form a coherent pathway to help nurture the development of young footballing talent. In Ampangabe, the aim is to encourage children to enjoy playing the game. At Carion, it’s about supporting the most promising athletes as they progress to the top level.
“The last two days mark a turning point for football in Madagascar”, said Gelson Fernandes, FIFA's Director Member Associations Africa and Caribbean . “With the Carion centre, FIFA and the FMF are providing national teams, coaches and women’s football with a centre that supports their ambitions and features the country’s first FIFA Quality Pro-certified pitch. We’re taking things a step further with the FIFA Arena by bringing football closer to the next generation, right into their schools and communities. This reflects FIFA’s long-standing commitment to football in Madagascar, from the very first kick to the highest level.”
Alongside these inaugurations, the FIFA delegation also visited the site of the future FMF headquarters at the Barea Stadium, which is due to be completed in March 2027.
“Congratulations to the Malagasy Football Association and to everyone who made all of this possible”, concluded Mr Infantino. “Now, let’s fill this centre with football!”