GFA breaks ground for new Hågat football facility in ceremony

[August 8, 2024 – Harmon, Guam] Guam Football Association ceremonially broke ground Thursday morning to signal the realization of the Speaker Vicente Pangelinan Southern Complex in Hågat, a facility that will include two full-size artificial turf pitches and an international futsal hall in construction plans.

GFA secured $5.2 million in funding from FIFA Forward 3.0 after applying for infrastructure support from FIFA and officially made the announcement at a groundbreaking ceremony with over 50 in attendance, including visiting FIFA Development Officer Jun Chen, the Hon. Lou Leon Guerrero, Governor of Guam, senators, mayors, the family of the late Speaker Pangelinan, private sector VIPs, GFA Executives, and club representatives from the Southern Cobras and Southern Heat, among others.

“As a resident myself of Malesso and President of the Southern Heat football club, I am absolutely thrilled to see this project through for the local community, and in particular our elite and recreational athletes from the southern villages who have all been waiting for years for the construction of this new facility,” said Tina Esteves, GFA Vice President, in her welcome address at the ceremony. “We are indeed honored to name this new facility the Speaker Vicente Pangelinan Southern Complex, to commemorate his supportive efforts and leadership, particularly in the advancement of football in Guam.”

Of the $5.2 million, $3.8 million was awarded to KIAN Construction for overall earthwork on the lot and $770,873 for the installation of two turf pitches by Edel Grass B.V. $413,966.71 was awarded to AM Orient for construction management and the remaining $260,000 as a contingency, according to documents from a GFA Executive Committee E-Vote held on June 8 and published on the GFA Web site.

“Guam is truly committed to football development and has diligently used FIFA Forward funding to elevate its football program in many areas, whether it is investing into the national teams, administration and governance, infrastructure, women’s football, or equipment,” said Sanjeevan Balasingam, FIFA Member Associations Regional Director Asia & Oceania. “We are starting to see the results of this commitment, and this new facility will ensure even more accessibility for players and clubs, helping to advance participation and growth of the sport even further.”

The development of the new southern facility will cater to GFA’s Member Clubs based in southern Guam, over a dozen schools in southern villages, and will also be in close proximity to the U.S. Naval Base, which will enhance integration through sports. Additionally, the new facility will allow for more activity and training venues for Guam’s National Program, Coach and Referee Education, leagues, and special events.

The new property also supports GFA’s four-year Strategic Plan in developing new training facilities to support all of GFA’s Strategic Pillars: Grow Participation, Club Development & Licensing, Education & Development, Competition Development, and National Team.

The first phase of development is set to be complete within one year.