Despite the war calls, thanks to the efforts of the Ukrainian Football Association and its president Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine became one of the countries that FIFA provided modern modular mini-stadiums with artificial turf within its new global program «FIFA Arena».

Photo: Dan Balashov

On April 15, 2026, the official opening of the first two mini-stadiums took place in Lviv. FIFA chose these locations as Lviv is the largest city in western Ukraine and it was here that the organization decided to test the project before scaling it up to other regions.

«A full-scale war has been ongoing for more than four years. We are not waiting for its end to develop football. We are happy that FIFA has included Ukraine in this new project. These two mini-stadiums — just the beginning. Soon we will open five more in other cities of Ukraine. The world sees Ukraine and supports our football», noted the president of UAF Andriy Shevchenko.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Locations of the first mini-stadiums

The first two mini-stadiums were installed at the following addresses in Lviv:

— Secondary School No. 77 (Vigovsky Street, 7a) – a school with an advanced program of economics and management studies;

— Mission «Center for Orphan Care» of the Lviv Archeparchy of UGCC (Taras Shevchenko Street «Hammer», 7) – an institution that provides comprehensive support to orphans, half-orphans, and children in difficult life circumstances.

Photo: Dan Balashov

At the «Center for Orphan Care», FC «Kopa» operates – a club where children from vulnerable categories play. They are currently the reigning world champions among orphanage teams, but they still lack their own training infrastructure.

The new football facilities were built in cooperation and with the support of the Lviv City Council. They will serve as a base for training and matches for students from the mentioned institutions, local children's teams, and also as new venues for «UAF Development Center», where professional specialists will train children using the association's methodology. According to the program terms, the mini-stadiums are to be accessible to other community members.

Photo: Dan Balashov

About the «FIFA Arena» program

The program was launched by FIFA in 2025 as part of initiatives for global football development, which were announced during the 75th FIFA Congress. The project involves building 1,000 mini-stadiums measuring 20 by 40 meters with built-in goals, protective nets, and modern artificial turf.

Photo: Dan Balashov

UAF and FIFA cooperation

Thanks to the active position of UAF, FIFA agreed to include Ukraine in the program despite the war in the country. The successful opening of two pilot mini-stadiums gives the right to receive five more — now UAF expects further construction in other cities.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Lviv was chosen as the start location for the project due to security and logistical considerations. This allowed FIFA representatives and contractors to personally visit the sites, as per the program terms, supervisors are to directly oversee the quality of the installation process on-site.