Belgium – Investment in 40 local mini-pitches

Supported by Proximus, Belgium’s largest mobile telecommunications provider, and the national lottery, this social project is built around renovating old mini-pitches for the benefit of football fans of all ages. “Work will also begin soon in Sint-Niklaas and Waregem, and we’re in the final phase of planning the construction of Belgian Red Courts in a dozen other towns and districts in 2022,” explained Peter Bossaert, the RBFA’s general secretary.

The association announced the creation of these 40 mini-pitches on its 125th anniversary in autumn 2020. Progress was hampered by the pandemic, but with the first pitch now up and running, the project is well under way.

“The Belgian Red Courts project is important to us because it’s a way of using football to help to shape society,” said Robin Cnops, the RBFA’s social responsibility coordinator. “It is also a good opportunity to work with local authorities. The Belgian Red Courts will be open to everyone, as players or supporters, and we have no doubt that they will bring together people from all walks of life. The towns and districts involved are looking forward to developing activities involving specialised coaches trained by us, but also local youth groups, schools, football clubs and organisations providing social support, with the aim of fostering cohesion within their communities while also promoting football.”

'Incredible project'

As sponsor of Belgium’s national football teams, adidas will be supporting the coaches and managers of the 40 mini-pitches with training and coaching materials for their various activities. The town of Lier is also looking forward to getting involved.

“We are proud to be pioneering this incredible project,” said Rik Werwaest, mayor of Lier. “We would like to thank everyone involved. We are lucky to have a fantastic ambassador for our Belgian Red Court in former Red Devil [Belgian men’s international] Jan Ceulemans, one of Belgium’s best-known footballers, who had his first taste of the game right here in Lier. Maybe we will discover the next Jan Ceulemans here too! That said, for us the most important thing will always be the fun that can be had playing football among friends.”

More Belgian Red Courts will be opened between now and 2024 in various other towns and districts that have expressed an interest. Each pitch will have its own ambassador, in the form of a Red Devil, a Red Flame [Belgian women’s international] or a Belgian footballing legend. In addition, the first Belgian Red Courts Cup is planned for next year. This will be a national tournament for boys’ and girls’ teams, including disability and walking football teams. The final will take place at Proximus Basecamp in Tubize, where the national teams train.

Visit the RBFA website for more information about the Belgian Red Courts

This article originally appeared in UEFA Direct 198