FIFA President Opens Upgraded BVIFA Technical Centre
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially inaugurated the upgraded British Virgin Islands Football Association Technical Centre at Greenland, declaring the territory could one day produce global football stars. Supported by FIFA Forward funding, the state-of-the-art facility features a new artificial pitch and modern amenities to bolster local youth development and international competitions.
A new chapter for sports in the British Virgin Islands officially began on September 26 with the grand opening of the upgraded British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) Technical Centre at Greenland in East End, Tortola. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the ceremony in person to inaugurate the complex, describing it as a historic milestone for the territory and the wider Caribbean sporting community.
Infantino praised the completion of the facility as the realization of an ambitious vision for local football development, remarking that the venue will give young players a platform to dream big and potentially reach the highest levels of the sport. Addressing attendees, Infantino suggested that the British Virgin Islands holds untapped athletic potential, stating that the next Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, or Pele could well be born in the territory.
He emphasized that even if the territory does not produce a global superstar, the sport plays a vital role in shaping youth into better citizens through discipline, resilience, and teamwork. The ceremony drew notable officials, including Deputy Governor David Archer Jr., government ministers, and local football leaders.
Infantino praised BVIFA President Avanell "Clarkie" Morton and his administration for effectively directing FIFA funding toward developing the sport locally. Natalio Wheatley, who was in London for constitutional negotiations, noted in a statement that the upgraded complex will allow the BVI to host more international friendlies and competitive fixtures while significantly strengthening grassroots youth initiatives.
Supported through the global FIFA Forward programme, the project includes a modern artificial playing surface, improved drainage, upgraded changing facilities, washrooms, and security fencing. The venue is designated to serve national squads, domestic leagues, local clubs, and school programmes.
Infantino highlighted the broader social and developmental value of the facility, describing it as one of the premier athletic spaces in the Caribbean. He noted that the true value of the centre lies in offering hope, opportunity, and a positive future to young boys and girls across the Virgin Islands.
The BVI stop formed part of a wider regional tour by the FIFA president that included visits to Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis, ahead of his campaign for re-election in March 2027.
Primary source: 284 Media