Morocco is set to become the first African nation to roll out a groundbreaking initiative that combines education, sports, and social development. In partnership with FIFA and several national institutions, the country will soon see the creation of thirty small-scale football fields, branded as FIFA Arenas, strategically placed within public schools across the country.
These new facilities are more than just playing fields—they’re designed to be durable, safe, and seamlessly integrated into students’ daily lives. The core mission behind the project is to use football as a tool to promote education, strengthen social ties, and encourage young people to adopt healthy, active lifestyles from an early age.
The official launch of the program took place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmoura, where the agreement was signed in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister of Education Mohamed Saad Berrada, and OCP Group representative Faris Derrij.
FIFA has called the partnership both “historic” and “one of a kind,” highlighting its aim to forge stronger connections between sport, schools, and community development. The initiative is part of a larger global vision by FIFA to build over 1,000 FIFA Arenas worldwide, with Morocco leading the charge as the program’s first testbed in Africa.
Beyond promoting physical activity, the project also seeks to champion inclusion, equal opportunity, and the positive values inherent in the sport—fair play, teamwork, and respect. It aligns with Morocco’s national strategies for youth empowerment and sustainable development, offering lasting impact through locally anchored sports infrastructure.
This bold step reflects a growing recognition of football’s power to educate, unite, and inspire. By planting the seeds in schools, Morocco is not just building fields—it’s building futures.
