Langley Receives FIFA Arena Mini-Pitch

Since FIFA President Gianni Infantino was elected in 2016, FIFA’s mission has been based around one simple message - to bring football back to FIFA, and FIFA back to football – and it has been a mission that has seen many different iterations.

Now in 2026, Infantino has been busy living up to this mission and developing FIFA Arena mini-pitches around the world. The first mini-pitch was launched in Paris back in March. Now, British Columbia has our own FIFA Arena mini-pitch. 

In collaboration with FIFA, Canada Soccer and BC Soccer, The Township of Langley was happy to jump at a project that ensures generations of children around the world, particularly those in disadvantaged urban and rural areas, will have the chance to enjoy playing the game we all love.

“The FIFA Arena is the result of a proactive and values-driven partnership between FIFA, Canada Soccer, BC Soccer, and the Township of Langley. Together, we share a belief in the power of the game to bring people together" says Gabriel Assis, BC Soccer Chief Executive Officer. "This initiative directly supports BC Soccer’s vision of connecting communities through soccer across our province. By working collaboratively with our partners, we are delivering high-impact infrastructure solutions, expanding access to play, accelerating participation growth, and creating meaningful, lasting impact for one of BC’s fastest-growing soccer communities well beyond 2026.”

FIFA Arena is a transformative global initiative that responds directly to the widespread lack of access to safe and inclusive sports facilities in schools and communities. Recognizing that more than one in five children worldwide lack a safe place to play, FIFA has committed to delivering over 1,000 high-quality football mini pitch arenas by 2031 through a globally coordinated rollout with its Member Associations, governments, and partners. Designed to be scalable, sustainable, and culturally adaptable, FIFA Arena bridges a critical infrastructure gap while promoting physical health, social inclusion, gender equity, and youth development.

“Having the first FIFA Arena in Canada installed in British Columbia represents exactly what soccer means to our Province: access, inclusion, and opportunity. A FIFA Arena in our province is more than just be a pitch, it is be a gathering place where young people from every background can learn, play, and belong" says Debbie Pudek, BC Soccer President. "As we look toward the legacy of the 2026 World Cup, this is the kind of investment that ensures soccer continues to grow long after the final whistle.”

Through this initiative, FIFA is not only meeting global demand but also setting a new international benchmark for equitable access to sport and safe play for all children.

 

More about FIFA:

FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) has
served as world football’s governing body since 1904, FIFA
oversees and promotes the development of football at every
level, from grassroots initiatives to elite international
competitions. FIFA also sets the rules of the game, ensures their
consistent application, and works to advance the sport through
innovation, education, and collaboration with the 211 FIFA
Member Associations (MAs).