The mini-pitch is located in the area surrounding the renowned Estadio Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera
The Bolivian Football Federation had just cut the ribbon at the first FIFA Arena mini-pitch in La Paz
“This pitch isn’t just for playing a sport, but for fulfilling dreams and creating opportunities,” stated Fernando Costa, president of the Bolivian Football Association [FBF]
The FBF has inaugurated a new FIFA Arena mini-pitch in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Located just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Estadio Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera, it is now the second mini-pitch as part of this project in Bolivia,following the opening of the first in La Paz.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of FIFA, the local authorities and everyone who worked together to make this dream a reality. This pitch isn’t just for playing a sport, but also for fulfilling dreams and creating opportunities,” stated Fernando Costa, president of the FBF.
With five schools in its catchment area, the new mini-pitch is expected to have a significant impact on the local educational community. Furthermore, the goal is for the facility to also be used by various local football schools and families in the area.
Among the notable attendees was Juan Pablo Velasco, Governor of the Department of Santa Cruz. “It’s a huge honour for us to inaugurate this pitch, not only because it improves our main sports venue, but because of the benefit to our children. Everything we do is for them, for the future of Santa Cruz and Bolivia.” This facility is merely the beginning,” he stressed.
Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA Director of Member Associations, highlighted a key factor in bringing the project to fruition. “The sustainable development of football depends on strong partnerships. This FIFA Arena mini-pitch reflects the joint commitment of FIFA, the Bolivian Football Association and local authorities to turn infrastructure into opportunities for the communities we serve.”
Governor Juan Pablo Velasco performed the ceremonial opening kick-off under the watchful eyes of invited guests and other privileged attendees, including youth players from local clubs Oriente Petrolero and Inter Star Rush, who looked on from the touchline.
Bolivia opens the country’s second FIFA Arena mini-pitch in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Jair Bertoni, FIFA Director of Member Associations Americas, waxed lyrical about the football culture surrounding the new mini-pitch. “Santa Cruz has a fantastic football identity, and the opening of a FIFA Arena in the vicinity of the Estadio Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera makes this project especially significant,” he said.
“By establishing FIFA Arena mini-pitches in both La Paz and Santa Cruz we’re creating more opportunities for boys and girls across Bolivia to play, learn and enjoy football in their own communities,” added Bertoni.
The highest-ranking FIFA representative on site was Rafael Arias, Lead at the FIFA Development Regional Office in Asunción, accompanied by Carlos Gutiérrez, the office’s Development Manager.
FIFA provided the specialised components for the FIFA Arena mini-pitch, such as the synthetic turf and dedicated fencing, as well as technical guidance, supervision and support during the project's implementation.
The FIFA Arena initiative stems from a commitment made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the International Summit on Sport for Sustainable Development held in Paris in July 2024, and aims to open 1,000 similar permanent mini-pitches by 2031.