Two under-12 school teams lining up at the Hafizie Stadium's artificial pitch.

FARS, Iran: Officials from the Fars Football Association (FFA) were celebrating the opening of a brand new US$200,000 artificial pitch at the Hafizie Stadium, paid for without government help.

The opening ceremony at the weekend featured 20 under-12 teams from various schools in the Shiraz region, attended by fans, parents and officials.

Among the guests was the AFC Vision Asia Grassroots & Youth team, led by Dr Shamil Kamil, who held a review meeting and Futsal assessment with the FFA.

The pitch, paid for entirely from FFA funds, proves the body’s commitment to Project Fars, which is part of Vision Iran and comes under the overall umbrella of Vision Asia.

“I congratulate the Fars FA for building such a suitable location and appreciate the fact that the parents of the players turned up to support the kids,” said Dr Kamil.

Speaking to the children, he said: “I advise you all as lovers of football to do your best, make the best use of these facilities, listen carefully to your coaches and be good students at school.”

The AFC team also visited the city of Jahrom, about 200 kilometres from Shiraz, to inspect their schools and Futsal facilities as well as watching a Futsal Premier League clash between Giah Baresh Jahrom and Shahed Shiraz .

They were received by the Mayor of Jahrom, Mohammed Reza Ostovari. The city has allocated 1.5 per cent of municipal taxes to the development of sport, with a focus on football.

Dr Kamil was happy with the age group competitions but hoped the province’s Ministry of Education could get more involved in the Vision Asia project.

With Futsal, he said the FFA needs to hold more level I, II and III courses for coaches tied to the various clubs.

The Vision Asia team will finalise its review after returning to AFC House.