Sri Lanka’s first-ever purpose built football training facility was declared open in Ariyalai, Jaffna today, 2nd December, by visiting FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter, The Hon. Minister of Sports, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sri Lanka, Dr. Jürgen Morhard, President of the FFSL, Ranjith Rodrigo, and several Member Association Presidents from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE and Saudi Arabia, along with other top FIFA and AFC officials who graced the occasion.
Initiated in 2010, the Jaffna Training Facility is co-funded by FIFA’s Goal Programme and the German Embassy’s Sports Development Programme. The first phase of the training facility in Jaffna includes a pavilion that can accommodate almost 200 spectators, a small auditorium, office rooms, washrooms and accommodation facilities for players, whilst the second phase includes an expansive outfield, which is currently in the process of completion.
The opening ceremony in Jaffna commenced with a traditional Jaffna welcome for Joseph S. Blatter along with a ceremonial reception organized by the Civil Defense Service. This was followed by the lighting of the oil lamp and the unveiling of plaques at the entrance to the training facility by Joseph S. Blatter, Ambassador Morhard and Ranjith Rodrigo. Afterwards, the procession of dignitaries moved towards the outfield for the hoisting of the National flags of Sri Lanka and Germany, the Provincial flag of the Northern Province and the respective flags of FIFA, AFC, FFSL and JFL. A grassroots programme was then performed by school children from around Jaffna district and was followed by speeches delivered by FFSL President, Ranjith Rodrigo, The Hon. Minister of Sports, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter, and the Chief Minister of the Northern Province, Justice Vigneswaran.
It is a well-known fact that football is the most popular sport in Jaffna and the biggest crowd puller. In fact, Jaffna has registered over 150 clubs for the FA Cup tournament this year, proving how big the game is amongst the people of the region.
‘This football training facility will not only enable the youth of the area to hone their football skills, but it will also further National Reconciliation”, said the President of the Jaffna Football League, Clifford Anthonypillai.
