San Luis Deportivo has officially become the fourth sports organization in Aruba to receive a FIFA Arena Mini Turf as part of a cooperation project between the Government of Aruba, the Aruba Football Federation (AVB), and FIFA aimed at investing in the future of Aruba’s younger generations.
Minister of Sports Gerlien Croes made the announcement during a gathering at San Luis Deportivo attended by members, volunteers, board members, representatives of AVB and FIFA, and children from the organization. The occasion recognized San Luis Deportivo’s work in the community, particularly its efforts to promote youth and women’s soccer.
According to Croes, the FIFA Arena Mini Turf project is part of a broader investment in sports infrastructure in Aruba. The project is being carried out in cooperation with the government, AVB, and FIFA, with financial support from Fundacion Lotto pa Deporte. The partnership also includes investments in larger turf fields.
Croes highlighted San Luis Deportivo’s long history and its recent efforts to improve its facilities, including the installation of LED lighting. She also recognized the daily work of the board, volunteers, and everyone who helps keep the organization active.
For Croes, sports should not be viewed simply as an extracurricular activity or hobby, but as an important part of children’s and young people’s development. Through sports, they learn discipline, responsibility, participation, and teamwork, while the government invests in preparing Aruba’s future citizens.
AVB also highlighted San Luis Deportivo’s history and contribution to soccer in Aruba. The organization has produced several soccer players and has continued to support women’s and youth soccer. AVB praised the efforts of the board and volunteers, particularly the organization’s revival in recent years.
An AVB representative said that when FIFA informed San Luis Deportivo that it was being considered for the project, the organization became one of the leading candidates because of its work with youth and women’s soccer. Both girls and boys actively participate in training sessions, making San Luis Deportivo an important center for talent development in Savaneta.
A FIFA representative emphasized that infrastructure provides a fundamental foundation for sports development. The FIFA Arena Mini Turf will give children a better environment in which to play and train, while sports can also contribute to their personal and social development.
FIFA also recognized the collaboration between FIFA, the Government of Aruba, the Ministry of Sports, and AVB, noting that projects of this kind are only possible through a joint effort.
With the announcement, San Luis Deportivo joins the FIFA Arena Mini Turf project. The partners view the investment as another step toward developing soccer and supporting the next generation of Aruba.
