The FIFA Goal project was created in 1999 to offer tailor-made programs to suit individual country needs to advance football within the country with a high quality, fully outfitted field. In 2015, a FIFA Goal Development project for the British Virgin Islands Football Federation went out to bid. This was possible through land leased from the local government and support from the surrounding neighborhood. The project helped create jobs for local laborers, provide a safe place for children to play football, and establish a focal point for the community to gather within the new stadium.
The Caribbean island of Tortola has experienced destructive weather during this hurricane season. Heavy rains in August contributed to mudslides, flooding, and power outages. In September both Category 5 hurricane Irma and hurricane Maria caused extensive structural devastation throughout the island- “Tortola has lost 95 percent of its buildings, telecommunications capacity, most of its infrastructure and all vehicles”.
The FIFA Goal football pitch designed and installed by Act Global also suffered significant damage from the storms. The project manager for the field recently visited the site to observe and record the destruction produce and to work with FIFA and BVIFA to evaluate the damages. On site, it was observed that a large quantity of flying debris caused heavy contamination of the infill with glass shards, rocks, plastics, and other sharp objects that pose a serious safety concern. However, the base work remained intact throughout multiple storms and continued to perform as designed and drain remarkably well.
As the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the island of Tortola continues, Act Global will work to ensure the members of the community have a safe football pitch, free of damage and debris.
Shelby Becker is a creative content creator and marketing specialist at Act Global. She’s an animal rights activist, avid concert-goer, and scary movie enthusiast. Follow her on LinkedIn .
For more information, contact marketing at sbecker@actglobal.com