FIFA Chief opens Jaffna football training facility

Wednesday, 3 December 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s first-ever purpose built football training facility was declared open in Ariyalai, Jaffna today (2 December) by visiting FIFA President Joseph ‘Sepp’ Blatter, Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sri Lanka, Jürgen Morhard, FFSL President Ranjith Rodrigo and several member association presidents from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE and Saudi Arabia, along with other top FIFA and AFC officials who graced the occasion.

FIFA President lights the oil lamp at the welcome ceremony Initiated in 2010, the Jaffna training facility is co-funded by FIFA’s Goal program and the German Embassy’s Sports Development Program.

Flags hoisted by Chief Guest and dignitaries

The first phase of the training facility in Jaffna includes a pavilion which can accommodate almost 200 spectators, a small auditorium, office rooms, washrooms and accommodation facilities for players, while the second phase includes an expansive outfield, which is currently in the process of completion. The opening ceremony in Jaffna commenced with a traditional Jaffna welcome for Blatter along with a ceremonial reception organised by the Civil Defense Service. This was followed by the lighting of the oil lamp and the unveiling of plaques at the entrance to the training facility by Blatter, Ambassador Morhard and Ranjith Rodrigo. Afterwards, the procession of dignitaries moved towards the outfield for the hoisting of the national flags of Sri Lanka and Germany, the provincial flag of the Northern Province and the respective flags of FIFA, AFC, FFSL and JFL. A grassroots program was then performed for schoolchildren from the Jaffna district and was followed by speeches from FFSL President Ranjith Rodrigo, Minister Aluthgamage, the FIFA President and the Chief Minister of the Northern Province, Justice Wigneswaran. It is well-known that football is the most popular sport in Jaffna and the biggest crowd-puller. In fact, Jaffna has registered over 150 clubs for the FA Cup tournament this year, proving how big the game is amongst people from the region. “This football training facility will not only enable the youth of the area to hone their football skills but it will also further national reconciliation,” said the President of the Jaffna Football League, Clifford Anthonypillai.

Open for football! Pictured here are FIFA President - Joseph S. Blatter, FFSL President - Ranjith Rodrigo and Chief Minister of the Northern Province, Justice Vigneswaran

Young children eager to shake hands with FIFA President Blatter

FIFA President Blatter with young footballers from Jaffna

FIFA President and dignitaries with school children from Jaffna