In the busy heart of Algiers, where the vibrant energy of the city meets the hopeful dreams of its youth, a new chapter in Algerian football history began. Children from the Collège Malek Haddad, nestled in the eastern part of the city, were the first on the African continent to experience the joy of a brand-new FIFA Arena mini-pitch. Their laughter echoed as they chased the ball, their small feet finding purchase on the pristine artificial turf – a safe haven carved out for the beautiful game.
News of this momentous occasion rippled through the western districts of Algiers, where the Ibn Joubair school eagerly awaited its own FIFA Arena. Soon, another 1,500 young hearts would have a dedicated space to learn, play, and grow, a direct result of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s vision to provide 1,000 such pitches worldwide.
For many children in these urban and rural areas, the lack of safe playing fields had been a silent barrier to their dreams. Now, thanks to the FIFA Arena project, a tangible legacy was being built, offering opportunities that once seemed distant. As Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Deputy Chief Member Association Officer for Africa, aptly stated, this initiative aimed to bring the joy of football to those in disadvantaged communities.
Walid Sadi, the passionate President of the Algerian Football Federation, beamed with pride. “Algeria is the first country in Africa to inaugurate a FIFA Arena,” he declared, recognizing the significance of this milestone. He highlighted the importance of school football as a breeding ground for talent and expressed his gratitude for FIFA’s ongoing support, which extended beyond the Arenas to include technical center development, referee training, VAR implementation, and even hosting international tournaments.
The inauguration of these mini-pitches was more than just the unveiling of new facilities; it was an investment in the future. It was a testament to the belief that every child deserves a chance to play, to learn, and to dream. As one FIFA director envisioned, these Arenas could very well be the training grounds for Algeria’s next Riyad Mahrez or Islam Slimani.
This initiative wasn’t just about football; it was about supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, fostering healthy lifestyles, and building stronger communities. For Algeria’s children, these FIFA Arenas were not just pitches; they were gateways to opportunity, friendship, and the boundless joy of the world’s most beloved sport. The starting eleven FIFA had envisioned – the initial wave of these mini-pitches across all six confederations – had found a vibrant and enthusiastic new member in Algeria, paving the way for many more to come across the African continent and beyond.
