FIFA has inaugurated two new FIFA Arenas in the West Bank to offer children and teenagers safe spaces for playing football and recreation. Built in cooperation with the Palestine Football Association and the Swiss government, these grounds will serve as venues for regular youth sporting activities.
The pitches are located in Marah Rabah south of Bethlehem and Qusin in the northern West Bank. The project was implemented jointly by FIFA and the Palestinian governing body, with financial backing from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
Due to movement restrictions and various obstacles across the West Bank, young people frequently face limited opportunities for education, sports, and social engagement. The new facilities aim to restore regular football and physical activity despite these challenges.
To mark the opening, a five-day Unite for Peace Kids Cup is underway, featuring around 160 children across 14 local teams. The tournament includes group stages, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final, alongside football-related activities for residents.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted that the true success of the grounds will depend on how they are utilized daily. He emphasized that having spaces for sports and social interaction is vital for youths whose lives are disrupted by restrictions and uncertainty.
The Kids Cup concludes with an official opening ceremony on September 25. Afterward, the facilities will remain accessible to the local community, accompanied by provided football equipment to sustain ongoing practices and games.
