The Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) was given approval by FIFA last month for funds to construct the new facility, together with the extension of the existing academy building at the CIFA home in Matavera, Rarotonga.
A signing ceremony was held between FIFA development officer for Oceania Glenn Turner, CIFA President Lee Harmon and local contractors to seal the deal and work is set to begin in August.
The new facility in Aitutaki has been designed by local architectural firm Romani Designs while the Matavera academy is being refurbished by RVK Contractors Ltd.
The developments are part of the FIFA Goal programme – an initiative that enables member associations to implement projects designed to develop football in their countries – and President Harmon has extended his appreciation to the world governing body for its continuing support.
“The association is always grateful and would like to thank FIFA for granting the funds to construct the new office building for Aitutaki and the extension of the academy building in Matavera,” he says.
“All of this infrastructure will leave a legacy for football in the Cook Islands.”
The latest chapter in the country’s Goal programme follows several stages that have completely reshaped the footballing facilities of the Cook Islands.
The first stage of the Goal project resulted in the building of a technical centre, administration facilities and academy, which opened its doors in April 2004. The inauguration of the academy solved one serious drawback, namely that the Cook Islands football family is now centralised in one place. This was previously practically impossible, given the many scattered islands and the dearth of facilities.
As part of the second stage, construction of dressing rooms and a small grandstand with covered seating was carried out, thus completing the infrastructure work started under the first phase. The aim of these improvements was to provide fully autonomous football administration at local and international level for Rarotonga.
From the outset, the masterplan for the overall project was split into three stages: following the association headquarters and a technical centre, the actual football playing facilities could then be installed. The spectator area in the grandstand was extended by 500 seats and media facilities put in place, thus meeting the requirements for regional and local competitions.
Further improvements were added in June 2010 with the completion of a new administration and gym building.
For more on Cook Islands football go to www.cookislandsfootball.com

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