Whether they are constructing pitches, stadiums or technical centres, it is important that member associations applying for FIFA Forward funds abide by sustainable building principles. To support them in this process FIFA has recently launched two new reports, entitled the Green Building Guidelines and the Technical Development Centre Guidelines. The Green Building Guidelines provide industry professionals around the world with case studies and detailed information on green building principles. Designed with the support of experts and specialized architects, these guidelines will allow architects and professionals in the field of football development to benefit from the necessary steps to take in order to obtain a building that meets international standards.

The Technical Development Centre Guidelines constitutes a reference document for national and regional football associations as well as clubs that wish to build a modern technical centre and do so under the sustainability principles that any sporting facility should adhere to in the modern day. To support the implementation of these guidelines and in order to be as close as possible to the needs of its stakeholders, FIFA is organising a series of virtual workshop for its member associations. Last week, representatives from 22 countries from the Caribbean region as well as from the Caribbean Football Union and Concacaf took part in one of those sessions, where they had the opportunity to get expert insight and share their specific needs. Previous workshops have already taken place in recent months to present the Technical Development Centre Guidelines to member associations from Africa and Oceania with a focus on the MAs that have ongoing or planned Technical Center projects funded by the Forward programme.

Kenny Jean-Marie, Director of FIFA's Member Associations Division, said: "These new publications are in line with FIFA's vision to make football truly global, by investing in the development of our sport across our 211 member associations in a sustainable manner." The representatives of the member associations, who were interviewed during the sessions and took an active part in the seminars, were very satisfied: "A very interesting and all-encompassing workshop that fits exactly with the plans of the AVB, especially the guidelines for the Greenbuilding and Technical Centers were clear and will give us the support we need on our projects," said the President of the Aruba FA, Randolf Lacle.