Nicaraguan football is hoping to hit new highs at elite national levels, thanks to a new technical centre in Diriamba, a city in the country’s Carazo region. The top-spec new facility is also fully future-proofed, with plans to expand into building a new, state-of-the-art gym and to further improve the quality of the pitches.

In improving conditions for Nicaragua’s women’s and men’s teams, from U-15 to senior level, the Nicaraguan Football Federation (FENIFUT) has invested funding from FIFA Forward Development Programme to be a trailblazer for raising the standards of training facilities in their central American region. They have modernised the existing facility, given the reception area a fresh new appearance, constructed new office space and the expanding accommodation on site, in addition to improving the technical staff facilities. The project also included the installation of an artificial pitch, increasing the quality of the training field and allowing for greater frequency of use. Furthermore, the integration of the complex and the training site in the same location eliminates travel expenses for the teams, optimising the federation's costs.

Work began in May 2019, and the renovated facilities were used for the first time in September 2020, accommodating a microcycle of the senior national team, and it is estimated that, under the current conditions, the complex will host training sessions and welcome FENIFUT national teams - at all age levels - in their different microcycles, equating to around 400 players, coaches and staff per year. "With the support of the FIFA Forward Programme, the federation had the unique opportunity to take our talent school in Diriamba to another level,” Manuel Quintanilla, FENIFUT President, said. “The improved training and residential conditions will have an invaluable impact on the development of the athletes in each national team category. Thanks to the vision of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, we can take Nicaraguan football to a step beyond.”

In this second semester, the Talent Academy will continue with the next phases of renovations: first, building a new sports gymnasium with dressing rooms, then expanding the kitchen, dining room, and auditorium, and improving the natural grass fields that currently exist in the sports complex.

The investment will allow for a renewed focus upon national team and coaching development and is expected to deliver a significant, positive impact upon the future of football in Nicaragua.