The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has thanked FIFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino for their support as the Southeast Asian nation prepares to inaugurate its first-ever owned National Training Centre (NTC), which has been funded by the FIFA Forward Development Programme. Located in the new capital city of Indonesia, Nusantara Capital City (IKN), Phase 1 of the centre’s construction was fully funded by USD 5.4 million from FIFA Forward, which was established in 2016 to underpin football infrastructure development across FIFA’s 211 Member Associations.

The funding allowed for the construction of two international standard size pitches (a natural grass pitch and an artificial turf pitch) with floodlight system, a two-storey players’ dormitory that would be able to accommodate up to 150 people and team changing rooms on the 34.52-hectare site, which is the first of its kind in Indonesia.

FIFA’s support also helped encourage the Indonesian government to provide an additional funding of approximately USD 10 million, enabling the construction of an additional two dormitories, a multi-sport pitch and area landscaping. The completed structure will boast a total of eight pitches, as well as a swimming pool, a dedicated area for tactical and physical training and a mini stadium with a 600-capacity spectator viewing area.

“The FIFA Forward initiative has been pivotal in catalysing additional funding for this important facility. We deeply appreciate your continued support and partnership in this endeavour. Your contribution has been instrumental in making this project a success, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with you,” said the PSSI President, Erick Thohir in his letter to President Infantino.

The project is currently 90 per cent completed with construction scheduled to end in July. The centre’s inauguration is expected to take place in August 2024, some nine months after the project was approved by FIFA’s Development Committee on November 2023.

The PSSI has already planned the first official usage of the NTC with its U-20 men’s national team set to use it as their base camp for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025 in September. “I am touched to receive this letter of thanks from the PSSI President and delighted to see this project come to life as it will provide such a boost to football in Indonesia,” said the FIFA President. “It is also yet another shining example of what FIFA and its member associations can do through FIFA Forward, working hand-in-hand to develop the beautiful game around the world. “It is fundamental for FIFA to keep football progressing, giving more countries and people the chance to play the game at all levels, and I’m looking forward to seeing the fruits of FIFA Forward in Indonesia and elsewhere in the coming months and years.”