The CEO of the FIFA Foundation visits the reconstructed training facilities in Chiclayo and Trujillo
The facility was destroyed by "El Costello" in 2017
Reconstruction is funded by the FIFA Foundation Recovery Plan
Youri Djorkaeff, CEO of the FIFA Foundation, visited Peru and witnessed how recovery plan funds were used to help rebuild three training facilities and stadiums destroyed by catastrophic weather events in 2017.
Djorkaeff, the winner of the 1998 World Cup in France, visited two reconstruction facilities in the northern cities of Chiclayo and Trujillo. Like the other center in Chancay north of Lima, they were built on the site of the original facility and passed FIFA quality artificial turf certification.
The goal of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) and the local municipality is to use these stadiums mainly for the development of youth football and grassroots activities. The facilities in Trujillo are now one of the four designated FIFA Women’s Academy venues in the country .
Accompanied by FPF Chairman Agustín Lozano, Djorkaeff first visited the Videna facility in Chiclayo, where he watched U-15 training sessions, and then went to visit the El Porvenir Stadium in Trujillo, where he watched U-16 Matches between women's teams.
“We are talking here about restoration rather than destruction. It was an unforgettable trip that showed me the importance of these facilities and what they mean to the locals,” Djorkaeff said. "These facilities are not built for FIFA or FPF, but for young people in the area."
“We are very happy to carry out this work with our colleagues at CONMEBOL and FPF. This collaboration reflects the values of teamwork and unity against adversity,” he added.
"I also want to say how much I like watching Peru in the World Cup. I will always remember their happy supporters.
"Of course, when our two teams met in the group stage, I supported France, but I admired the way Peru treats the game. Obviously, Peruvian players have talent and this cannot be wasted."
Peru suffered a series of deadly floods and landslides in the first half of 2017, as a result of the continuous heavy rain known as "El Costello", which destroyed more than 115,000 houses. Some football stadiums in the country, which are often the cornerstones of local communities that are shaky due to tragedies, have also been washed away.
The FPF quickly contacted the FIFA Member Association (MA) department, which went to Peru on a mission to verify the damage.
After the on-site inspection, FPF submitted a funding application in 2017 under the framework of the FIFA Foundation's recovery plan, which is designed for such unforeseen events or natural disasters that destroy sports infrastructure. The recovery plan allocated US$500,000 for reconstruction work.
The FIFA Foundation was established in 2018 to promote social change through football and to inspire mankind towards a healthier, fairer and more inclusive society. This is in line with FIFA President Gianni Infantino's 2020-2023 vision, which promises to make football serve society.
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