FIFA President Gianni Infantino has visited Saint Lucia, where he toured the Saint Lucia Football Association’s (SLFA) refurbished headquarters and met players who recently represented the Concacaf nation at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan.

The SLFA has invested USD 3 million of its FIFA Forward funding into infrastructure development, including a renovation of its headquarters and improvements to its football facilities.

Further plans are in the pipeline to develop the SLFA’s Technical Centre, which currently comprises a pitch and temporary changing facilities. Permanent changing rooms, matchday amenities and spectator seating have been identified as priority next steps in the SLFA’s long-term project, which was drawn up in collaboration with FIFA.

“The incredible team at the Saint Lucia Football Association is doing a fantastic job of making football a platform for young children to unite and enjoy while fulfilling their dreams and helping them learn important life lessons,” said the FIFA President, who in 2025 attended the 40th Concacaf Congress held in the country. He also visited in 2019.

“While visiting their headquarters with Minister for Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation, Kenson Joel Casimir, and SLFA President Lyndon Cooper, we were presented with a strategy for the growth and development of football, particularly focused on the women's game,” Mr Infantino continued.

“The future certainly looks bright, and I thanked all members of the staff for their dedication to football and support for everything FIFA is doing to take the game forward here and across the region.”

The national government is also keen to participate in developing Saint Lucian football. In October 2026, they formally requested FIFA support to renovate the George Odlum Stadium, which requires investment to be able to continue to stage national team games.

The government envisions the transformation of the stadium in Vieux Fort into a modern, multi-purpose facility that meets relevant international standards, including FIFA norms.

The infrastructure improvement drive is just one aspect of the SLFA’s plan to take the beautiful game forward. With the FIFA Talent Development Scheme and FIFA Football for Schools programme already implemented, Mr Cooper, who is also the Concacaf Vice President for the Caribbean and the Caribbean Football Union President, is broadening the organisation’s scope.

Saint Lucia was among the 189 countries to participate in the recent FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan. The tournament is designed to give promising young players from around the world an early taste of international football. The FIFA President and Prime Minister Pierre spent time on 6 November with the U-15 team, which was the first to represent Saint Lucia at a FIFA event.

“Their excitement and enthusiasm for football motivates us all to continue making our sport accessible to everyone, everywhere,” Mr Infantino said of the pioneering players.

The SLFA has expressed a strong interest in adding FIFA Arena to its portfolio of collaborations with FIFA. In addition, increasing female participation was the central focus of recent discussions with local stakeholders, as part of the SLFA’s women’s football strategy for the next four years.

“Together, we are committed to giving girls and boys more opportunities, higher-level competitions, and better sports infrastructure to help them grow in an ideal environment,” Mr Infantino added. “By investing in talent development and women’s football across the region, we are ensuring that these young talents get every chance to turn their football dreams into reality.”