FIFA Opens New Mini-Pitches in West Bank to Support Palestinian Youth Football
FIFA has expanded its global infrastructure by launching two new FIFA Arena mini-pitches in the West Bank, located in Marah Rabah and Qusin. These venues offer young Palestinians a safe place to enjoy football amid the ongoing regional difficulties.
Boosting Grassroots Football in Palestine
These newly built mini-pitches, placed south of Bethlehem in Marah Rabah and in the northern West Bank town of Qusin, represent a joint effort between FIFA and the Palestine Football Association, with crucial financial support from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The facilities aim to tackle the challenges faced by communities struggling to access education, social services, and organized sports.
One pitch is positioned near Thaher Al Thour, directly opposite the Marah Rabah girls’ high school, while the other stands in north-western Qusin.
Unite for Peace: Kids’ Cup Launches New Era
To mark the opening, FIFA organized the Unite for Peace: Kids’ Cup, a youth tournament activating these pitches with energy and competition. Fourteen local teams, involving around 160 children, participate in a format featuring group stages, knockout rounds, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final.
This event includes community-focused activities encouraging residents from nearby villages and towns to come together through football. It is part of the wider FIFA Unite for Peace campaign, which uses football as a tool to teach teamwork, respect, and fair play. The tournament demonstrates how these arenas will be used regularly, rather than simply standing empty.
The official inauguration ceremony is set for September 25, alongside the trophy presentation for the young competitors.
FIFA President Highlights Football’s Social Role
“The value of these FIFA Arena facilities will be measured by what happens on the pitches day in, day out,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “For children living in communities where life is often disrupted by restrictions and uncertainty, having a place where they can play football, meet their friends and take part in organised sport matters more than ever. Particularly as we mark the International Day of Peace, we hope these FIFA Arenas will serve their communities for many years to come.”
This statement echoes FIFA’s Football Unites the World mission, emphasizing the organization's commitment to supporting regions where building infrastructure offers significant social benefits.
Creating a Lasting Impact on Palestinian Football
The mini-pitches are a vital part of the international FIFA Arena Programme, which focuses on constructing durable, safe football environments worldwide. Along with the pitches, local communities receive football equipment to help sustain training and matches beyond the inaugural tournament.
This investment supports the Palestine Football Association’s goals to develop young players, both male and female, ensuring a steady platform for talent growth across the region.
The openings in Marah Rabah and Qusin follow similar launches in South and North America, all designed with weather-resistant surfaces to endure frequent use.
- Locations: Marah Rabah (south of Bethlehem), Qusin (north-west West Bank)
- Event: Unite for Peace: Kids’ Cup
- Participants: 14 local teams, approx. 160 children
- Event Format: Group stage, knockouts, quarter-finals, semi-finals, final
- Financial Support: Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
- Official Inauguration Date: September 25
