Goal Programme - Montserrat Football Association Inc. - 2001

The island of Montserrat was virtually destroyed by devastating volcanic eruptions a few years ago. The damage was immense and reconstruction work was arduous. The country's youngsters were the ones to suffer the most. Crime and drug abuse were just some of the resulting problems. With the support of FIFA, the national association has launched a school programme for boys and girls, as it regards football as a means to help stabilise society and motivate people to rise to the challenges posed by the volcanic eruptions. Montserrat contested an historic international match a few months ago. The players from the small island nation wanted to beat Bhutan in order to escape from the very basement of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. They may have lost that game, but a rematch is planned - to be held in Montserrat this time.

On 2 April 2002, FIFA vice-president Jack Warner opened the «MFA Inc. Complex», which was part-financed by Goal and the FIFA Financial Assistance Programme. Prime Minister Idabelle Meade underlined the vital role that sport and football in particular plays in Montserrat, especially for the youngsters, who suffer from precarious living conditions and face a number of dangers. «We are supporting this initiative so that the youth of today will one day be able to give something back and show society exactly what it is capable of. Football fosters understanding, encourages team spirit, breaks down prejudices and boosts solidarity,» stressed James White Junior, vice-president of the national association. The national association truly has a new home in the shape of the «MFA Inc. Complex». Most of the matches in the domestic league championship that is once again underway are played on this pitch.