Region
Kick-off and start of the FIFA Forward ‘7 football pitches Aruba’ project.
Last week on Thursday 14th of May 2026 we experienced a proud moment in the history of Edel Grass. The first of 7 to be built football pitches in 2026 and 2027 kicked off at S.V. Nacional with a joyfull ground breaking event organized by the AVB (Aruban Football Association).
The event was actively supported and promoted by the presence of the Aruban minister of Education and Sport mrs. Gerlien Croes and two responsible FIFA officials mr. Jordan Victoire and and mr. Amiel Mohammed. Also the AVB team with Mr. Randolf Lacle as president, ms. Dyane Wiersma, mr. Orlando Hoevertsz and many involved at AVB, the club or the project otherwise were present.
Six-year journey toward a new era in Aruba football
Mr. Lacle proudly presented in short his early vision starting back in 2018, the many doors that were opened due to the beliefs of mr. Victoire and FIFA, the many challenges that had to be addressed and the many solutions that needed to be found to get all stakeholders aligned and on board during a 6 year preparation road towards this historical moment. Ms. Croes took stage and passionately emphasized in Aruban native language the importance of this project for Aruban football, young players and youth development in general on the island. You could tell by expression, this is huge.
Largest FIFA Forward project ever signed
As Edel Grass we attended the event with our on-site supervisor Gerrit Sahertian, the local construction team of Solid Solutions Aruba and lead by our international contracting department with Mark van Spriel. Our PR delegate Frank Herbrink was granted a few minutes on stage as well to highlight in short the history of Edel Grass, our connection with the Caribbean and especially Aruba due to the many projects realized in this region. This project not only represents FIFA’s largest investment; it is also the biggest project contract we, as Edel Grass have ever signed.
After the inspiring talks the official groundbreaking moment took place. Representatives Ms. Croes, FIFA, AVB, Edel Grass and Nacional all dug a spades into the ground at the same time and moved the first bit of sand. A truly special moment for all involved and Aruba as a Nation.
We thank the AVB and FIFA for granting us this truly unique project and will do whatever it takes fort he clubs to realize many years of fantastic football on our pitches in the upcoming 18 months.
Sources
https://inside.fifa.com/en/associations/ARU/impact
https://portraitsaruba.pixieset.com/nacionalgroundbreaking/
https://arubanews.ca/groundbreaking/
https://www.facebook.com/watch/v=1769446404030606
https://www.instagram.com/p/DYVM1pNEjY-/
Contacts
Mark van Spriel
Head of International contracting International contracting
Frank Herbrink
Head marketing & communications PR & Marketing