Belgium are the latest association to receive the gift of a UEFA Jubilee mini-pitch under the auspices of the European body's HatTrick assistance programme.

Football for youngsters
The mini-pitch has been opened in the commune of Machelen, outside Brussels, and will give youngsters the chance to play football in the best possible conditions. UEFA Executive Committee member Marios N Lefkaritis joined representatives of the Belgian Football Association at the inauguration ceremony.

Open to anyone
"This mini-pitch is obviously open to anyone who wishes to use it," the Belgian association said. "Children in the local area will be able to play sport, preferably football, but also basketball.

Belgian plan
"We have also planned the installation of 40 mini-pitches throughout the country in the next few months. We hope this initiative will give fresh impetus to football in the street, which used to be so popular."

Prototype mini-pitch
UEFA's HatTrick Board decided to offer a prototype mini-pitch to each UEFA member association as European football's governing body celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2004. The mini-pitches should be installed near the association's headquarters and possibly close to, or on the premises of, a school.