Work on FIFA training venues progressing: Marten

WORK on the 17 training venues for the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup is progressing well and is scheduled for completion in mid-August before the tournament kicks off in November.
These 17 training venues will be at Bisini, Sir John Guise Stadium, Murray Barracks, University of PNG, Gordon Secondary School, Port Moresby National High School and Port Moresby International School. FIFA local organising committee (LOC) chief executive officer, Seamus Marten said work had started, with the first order of business being to clear the top soil and the drainage system on the fields.
“Once they have cleared the top soil and the drainage systems, we will put in pipes and the pop-up sprinkling system, followed by the final top soil for the grass to be planted,” Marten explained.
He said LOC had engaged Porohu Engineering, who were working tirelessly to ensure that the training fields met the requirements set by FIFA.
“The quality of the training pitch is just as important as the stadium pitch. That is why for each training venue we will have two change rooms built. However, the field dimensions are standard — 110 metres in length and 72m in width,” he said.
Martens said by preparing the training venues, his committee were not only complying with their obligations to FIFA and providing competitors with the training facilities needed to prepare for the matches during the tournament but also establishing a long-term legacy for the sport in the country.
He said after the World Cup, other sporting codes, schools and ordinary football enthusiasts would continue to benefit from these high-quality pitches.