FIFA-Backed Soccer Complex in St. Thomas Advances, Bringing Opportunities for Youth and Economy

Soccer enthusiasts on the island of St. Thomas will soon have access to a FIFA-regulation playing facility in Estate Nazareth, a site long earmarked for sporting facilities like cricket and track and field.

On Thursday, members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance voted in favor of Bill 35-0385, moving the U.S.V.I Soccer Federation Inc., one step closer to building the FIFA-regulation facility along Parcel N-1 Remainder of Tract 1 Estate Nazareth, No. 1 Red Hook Quarter. The project is expected to cost as much as $5 to $7 million in total investments and is already pre-approved for funding by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association.

A similar facility already exists on St. Croix, with the Federation already investing approximately $4 million toward its completion. “The Virgin Islands will have two facilities to maximize the exposure internationally,” said Michael Bourne, a Federation council member.

The project is expected to be constructed over three to five years, and once completed will include a soccer pitch, fencing, bleachers, lighting, concession stands, bathrooms, team facilities, referee facilities, training rooms, parking and dorms. The pitch, however, is “priority number one, to enable soccer to be played,” per Mr. Bourne. The remaining amenities, he said, will be built over time. The local federation is currently working with FIFA as” they build these types of facilities around the world and provide us with immense knowledge, vendors and resources,” said Mr. Bourne.