FIFA PRESIDENT JOINS SKNFA TO OPEN FIFA ARENA IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

ST. PETERS——FIFA President Gianni Infantino joined the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA), government officials, football stakeholders and young players for the official launch of the FIFA Arena at the National Bank Group (SKNFA) Technical Center in St. Peters. The facility was launched during a ceremony held on Saturday September 26 on the Arena’s pitch at the technical center.

The new facility represents an important investment in football infrastructure and youth development, providing a dedicated and safe environment where children and communities can play, develop their skills and build a stronger connection with the sport.

Addressing the launch, President Infantino described the inauguration of the FIFA Arena as an important step in St. Kitts and Nevis’ football development journey, while stressing that it is only one part of a broader vision. “This inauguration today of this FIFA Arena is a symbolic act, it is an important act, of course, but it is only one step,” Infantino said.

He highlighted FIFA’s ambition of ensuring that young people everywhere have opportunities to participate in football and pursue their dreams. “Our ambition is to make football available for everyone, everywhere in the world,” he said, adding that FIFA’s commitment must be demonstrated “not just with words, but with actions, with facts.”

Infantino also pointed to the importance of infrastructure in nurturing the talent that exists within St. Kitts and Nevis. “You have the talent, we all know that,” he said. “What we need is to make sure that we nurture this talent, is to make sure that we bring the necessary infrastructure, the necessary expertise to make this talent grow and to give opportunities to everyone to dream.”

The FIFA President described the new facility as more than simply a place to play football. “This is a safe place,” Infantino said. “This is a place where children can play, where adults can play, where social life of a community of a country will see happening.”

He also celebrated the progress of young footballers from St. Kitts and Nevis, noting that the country’s Under-15 boys are set to participate in the inaugural FIFA Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan. Infantino encouraged the country to continue investing in its football ambitions and said FIFA would continue working alongside the SKNFA and other stakeholders to create opportunities for young players.

“We will continue all together to invest. We will continue all together to develop the game, and we will continue all together to unite the world,” he said.

ATIBA HARRIS: “WE’RE DOING THIS FOR THE KIDS”

SKNFA President Atiba Harris emphasized the importance of collaboration among the Football Association, government and other stakeholders in advancing football development across St. Kitts and Nevis.

Harris said the FIFA Arena represents an opportunity to provide young people with safe spaces where they can participate in football and benefit from the life lessons that come with the sport. “More of these mini-pitches will provide safe spaces for our kids,” Harris said, noting that parents can feel more comfortable sending their children to facilities that provide safe environments. The highlight of his presentation came when he called on key sports stakeholders—including the Sports Directors and Ministers responsible for sport on both islands—to stand together, emphasizing the need for collaboration and cooperation in advancing the development of football across St. Kitts and Nevis.

The SKNFA President also acknowledged the role of FIFA investment in helping to address the infrastructure needs of football in the Federation. He said that while St. Kitts and Nevis has never lacked talent, there has historically been a need for greater infrastructure to provide opportunities for that talent to develop.

Harris stressed that the ultimate focus must remain on the children and the development of the game. “We never forget, we’re doing this for the kids, the love of football,” he said. “At the end of the day, football must be the winner. It’s not just playing, it’s life lessons.”

GIBA DAMIANO: “WE ARE OPENING DOORS”

SKNFA Technical Director Giba Damiano described the launch as a significant moment for football development in St. Kitts and Nevis. “Today, we’re not simply opening a football pitch. We are opening doors, creating opportunities, and giving dreams a place to begin,” Damiano said.

Damiano said the FIFA Arena reinforces the principle that every child, regardless of background or ability, should have the opportunity to participate in football. “Our country may be small, but our dreams have no limits,” he said. “And every child, regardless of their background or ability, deserves the opportunity to play, to belong, and to dream.”

He challenged the SKNFA and its partners to ensure that the facility is fully utilized for the benefit of young people. “Building a pitch is an achievement. Filling that pitch with children is our responsibility. And giving those children the opportunity to learn, develop, and dream is our legacy.”

Damiano outlined a vision that includes grassroots football, school partnerships and coach education, with the aim of creating sustainable opportunities throughout the Federation. He said the purpose extends beyond producing the next generation of footballers. “Our purpose is to develop our people,” Damiano said.

The Technical Director encouraged the children present at the launch to embrace the opportunity, learn from their experiences and believe in their potential. “One day, a child who begins playing on this pitch could represent our nation, inspire a community, or become a leader who changes the life of others,” he said. “That’s the power of football.”

The launch of the FIFA Arena marks another step in the SKNFA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen football infrastructure and expand opportunities for young people across St. Kitts and Nevis.

With FIFA, the SKNFA, government and other stakeholders working together, the facility is expected to serve as a hub for grassroots football, youth development, community engagement and the continued growth of the sport.