FIFA Arena Football Pitch Officially Opened in Kokshetau

16 October 2025, 19:25

A grand opening ceremony was held in the city of Kokshetau to inaugurate the first football pitch constructed under the international FIFA Arena program. The initiative, launched by FIFA, aims to develop youth football and expand access to modern sports infrastructure worldwide.

The event was attended by Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA's Chief Member Associations Officer, Marat Omarov, President of the Kazakhstan Football Federation (KFF), Marat Akhmetzhanov, Akim of the Akmola Region, as well as national team and FC ''Okzhetpes'' players Dauren Zhumat and Kazhymukan Tolepbergen.

Under the FIFA Arena program, FIFA plans to build 1,000 mini-football pitches worldwide that meet FIFA standards. Kazakhstan is among the participating countries. During the pilot stage of the project, pitches will be opened in Kokshetau and Khromtau (Aktobe Region). In total of 100 mini-pitches to be built for schoolchildren across the country.

KFF President Marat Omarov emphasized the importance of this initiative:

“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his Address to the Nation, instructed to promote grassroots and develop children’s sports infrastructure. To fulfill this directive, the KFF signed an agreement with FIFA to construct mini-football pitches, and today we are opening the first of them here in Kokshetau.

FIFA Arena is more than just sports infrastructure — it is a space where dreams come true. Here, children not only play football but also learn hard work, discipline, and teamwork. The pitch is equipped with modern technology, meets all safety standards, and provides comfortable conditions for effective training,” said Marat Omarov.

Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA's Chief Member Associations Officer, spoke about the global scope of the project:

“The FIFA Arena project was initiated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who promised that thousands of football pitches would be built around the world. We are pleased that the Kazakhstan Football Federation has promptly supported this initiative. Today, together with KFF, we are handing over this pitch to a school with about 900 students. Here, children will be able to play football after classes and lead a healthy lifestyle. I am confident that future stars who will make Kazakhstan proud on the international stage will grow up on such pitches,” said Elkhan Mammadov.

The project is implemented in cooperation between FIFA and the Kazakhstan Football Federation. FIFA provides the equipment, artificial turf, and assembly, while KFF is responsible for preparing the foundation, installing infrastructure, and coordinating local work.

Akim of the Akmola Region Marat Akhmetzhanov highlighted the significance of the project for the region:

“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has said that without grassroots, it is impossible to raise a healthy younger generation and strengthen the nation’s health. The pitch opened today is not just a sports facility — it is an investment in our future, in the health and development of our children and youth. We thank FIFA for their valuable contribution to the development of grassroots sports in the region. Through international cooperation, we have received world-class infrastructure,” said Marat Akhmetzhanov.

The FIFA Arena program is one of KFF’s strategic initiatives aimed at developing modern, accessible, and safe infrastructure for children’s and youth football, promoting grassroots, and encouraging young people to engage in physical activity.

Following the ceremony, Akim Marat Akhmetzhanov presented KFF President Marat Omarov with the project for a new full-size stadium in Kokshetau. The future arena will meet UEFA Category 4, enabling it to host international-level matches. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.