British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) President Avanell Morton welcomes Mr Infantino to the territory
BVI Technical Centre upgrades include new artificial playing surface, drainage system and changing facilities
National teams, domestic competitions, clubs, schools and youth programmes will benefit
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has inaugurated the upgraded British Virgin Islands Technical Centre, a project that has been supported by the FIFA Forward programme and will give football a new lease of life in the territory.
On his second visit to the island nation, Mr Infantino was welcomed by British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) President Avanell Morton before travelling to the centre on the island of Tortola.
“What a fantastic day for football in the British Virgin Islands as we inaugurated the FIFA Forward-supported Technical Centre in the presence of the dedicated British Virgin Islands Football Association team, led by President Avanell Morton,” the FIFA President said.
“Rebuilt with incredible commitment, this centre, with its artificial playing surface and improved facilities, will serve national teams, domestic competitions, member clubs, schools, and youth programmes.”
The BVI Technical Centre has been given a new artificial turf playing surface replaced while the security fencing, drainage, public washrooms and changing facilities have all been improved. After severe damage caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, the upgrades at the facility, also known as the Greenland football arena, will help restore and expand football activities, benefiting national teams, domestic competitions, clubs, schools and youth programmes.
“It was particularly pleasing to see the smiles and excitement of young girls and boys who are all part of the bright future for football in the country,” Mr Infantino said of the inauguration.
“A big thanks to the government, the authorities, the contractors and everyone who contributed to this spectacular project. I look forward to continuing our work together because football truly is for everyone, everywhere.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the Inauguration of Technical Centre in Tortola, British Virgin Islands
FIFA Forward is just one of several FIFA programmes which are helping to develop football in the territory.
The BVIFA has joined the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, which has been operating in the country since 2024, helping to identify and train young players for potential national team selection.
FIFA Football for Schools was launched with the Ministry of Education in 2024, and physical education teachers have undergone specialised training to deliver football instruction within their respective schools.
A Women’s Football Strategy, Women’s Football Campaign and League Development campaign are also being supported by FIFA as part of the overall women’s football programme.
The men’s national team made history in the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ when they progressed beyond the first round for the first time, winning a two-leg tie against the U.S. Virgin Islands on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw.