Two more regional technical centres have been opened in Brazil, benefitting local communities in the states of Espírito Santo and Piauí, with support from the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ Legacy Fund. The centres will be used primarily to host youth and women’s competitions as well as for training sessions and courses for coaches and referees.

“It is an honour to deliver two more football development centres, this time in Espírito Santo and Piauí. We have already inaugurated seven in just over a year since the beginning of our administration,” said Samir Xaud, President of the Brazilian Football Association (CBF), who attended both inaugurations.

“This shows the CBF’s commitment to social initiatives and to Brazilian grassroots football, through the legacy and support provided by FIFA following the 2014 FIFA World Cup. We will continue this work and aim to deliver the other seven football development centres to help Brazilian football, the states and state associations, further promoting grassroots football.”

Gustavo Vieira, President of the Espírito Santo State Football Association, said the new facility in his state would be used to conduct training courses in various areas, including referees and young coaches. “We will make excellent use of the Development Centre," he said.

The fund was set up by FIFA and the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and is investing more than USD 100 million to ensure that Brazil continues to reap the benefits of hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Among other things, it aims to build 15 of the centres in regions that did not host matches in 2014.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a video message, played at each inauguration, that two centres were part of FIFA's primary goal to nurture the growth of football worldwide.

“Today's inauguration is a significant milestone. With this centre, girls and boys from this region can access high-quality infrastructure, where they can hone their skills, ignite their passion, and dream of greatness in the beautiful game,” he said.

Thanking the CBF President Samir Xaud and everyone at the CBF, he added: “As we celebrate this achievement, I wish you all the best. May these facilities become centres of talent and joy. I look forward to witnessing the impact it will have on countless lives in the years to come.”

The fund is supporting a range of other initiatives in Brazil. One is aimed at educating healthcare professionals working in football while another, the Gol do Brasil project, promotes coexistence and education through football. Meanwhile, new competitions are being introduced in women’s and youth football.

“A FIFA World Cup should leave more than memories. It should leave opportunities. The FIFA World Cup 2014 Legacy Fund reflects this commitment by transforming the success of the tournament into long-term investment in Brazilian football,” said Jair Bertoni, FIFA Regional Director Americas. “Through our partnership with the CBF, these Regional Technical Development Centres will provide modern infrastructure while creating environments where young players can thrive, coaches and referees can develop their expertise and women’s football can continue to grow.”

“Their greatest legacy will not be the buildings themselves, but the lives they help shape. We invite state federations, local communities and everyone involved in Brazilian football to make these centres places of learning, inclusion and opportunity for generations to come.”