On the second day of his tour of Central America, FIFA President Gianni Infantino today attended the inauguration of a new stadium in El Birichiche, Honduras, alongside Concacaf President and FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani and Honduras Football Federation (FENAFUTH) President Jorge Salomon.
The new infrastructure was funded through FIFA’s Forward programme and will be dedicated exclusively to youth and grassroots football development.
The 'Estadio Infantil FENAFUTH' offers a modern facility with artificial lighting and infirmary and includes seats for people with reduced mobility. It will host U-8, U-10 and U-12 girls' and boys' tournaments, totalling 740 games every year.
FIFA President Infantino at inauguration of youth stadium in Honduras
At the inauguration ceremony, FIFA President said: “This is a great moment and another perfect example of the good use of the FIFA Forward funds. Congratulations to FENAFUTH and a special word of appreciation to President Jorge Salomon and his team who have been doing a very good job with commitment, integrity and passion.
"This infrastructure will be used by girls and boys on a daily basis. Some of them will grow up to be football players but the most important is that they will have fun and learn the good values of sport.”
During his short stay in Honduras, Infantino also had the chance to discuss with President Salomon and his team FENAFUTH’s plans to further develop the game at all levels in the country. He held talks, too, with the Honduran head of state, Juan Orlando Hernández, about the broader role football can play in terms of inclusion and social development.