Stojkovic unveils Belgrade mini-pitch

A football pitch for the "stars of the future" has opened in Belgrade, as Serbia and Montenegro becomes another beneficiary of the UEFA HatTrick assistance programme.

Opened by Stojkovic
The new football pitch at the Jelena Cetkovic elementary school in the capital Belgrade was opened for use by Dragan Stojkovic, the Serbia and Montenegro FA (FSSCG) president. Stojkovic said: "I am convinced that our children have received a worthwhile present, and I hope that in the future they will spend their time here.

Key to development
"Grassroots football is the foundation of the game's development, and I am convinced that on pitches like these, we willl find the stars of the future." FSSCG general secretary Zoran Damjanovic, technical director Zoran Flipovic and national coach Ilija Petkovic were also present at the ceremony where Jelena Cetkovic pupils played the inaugural match on the pitch.

UEFA reaction
The SCG is now planning the construction of some 40 mini-pitches all over the country. "I am very glad that the Serbia and Montenegro football family is actively participating in the UEFA Jubilee. One of our priorities is to work on behalf of children. We believe that by building a mini-pitch, we are prompting children to turn to football," said UEFA HatTrick/Charity project manager Patrick Gasser.

Prototype mini-pitch
UEFA's HatTrick Board is offering a prototype mini-pitch to each UEFA member association to commemorate the European body's Golden Jubilee. The mini-pitch in question should be installed near to the association's headquarters and possibly close to, or on the premises of, a school.