Panama unveil High Performance Centre project backed by FIFA Forward funding

The Panamanian Football Federation (FPF) have presented their High Performance Centre (HPC) project to FIFA’s Member Associations Division (Americas) as part of a wider infrastructure and development push supported by FIFA Forward funding.The federation said the HPC will be developed in stages and is intended to become a central base for Panama’s national teams, from youth level to the senior side, and a wider system for player and workforce development.Matthew De Roche, FPF Development Director, said: “FIFA’s financial support has been instrumental in enabling us to deliver a project of this scale. It’s given us solid foundations and the ability to move forward with key infrastructure without compromising institutional stability.“The FPF has taken the strategic decision to develop the HPC step by step. This approach allows us to optimise resources, reduce risk and prioritise areas that generate the greatest short-term sporting impact, while keeping our long-term vision firmly in focus.”De Roche said the centre is designed to reduce reliance on external facilities and bring a wider development pipeline under one roof. He said: “It brings all our national teams, from youth levels through to the senior side, under the same roof. It will allow us to work with the best sports resources and to plan long term without relying on external infrastructure.”He added: “The FIFA Forward Programme has not only made progress on the HPC possible, but has also helped ensure that the project is developed with a focus on sustainability, good governance and strategic planning. It will benefit Panamanian football for many years to come.“FIFA’s support has been key to the development of football in Panama. Beyond the financial backing, the real value of the programme lies in its structure and the framework it puts in place.”The federation’s infrastructure plans sit alongside recent on-field progress. Panama have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, while the under-17 national team secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 after winning all their matches in Concacaf qualifying at the Rommel Fernández Stadium in Panama City.Panama U-17 head coach Felipe Baloy said: “This qualification is significant as it enables structured development processes and provides the players with the opportunity to compete at a high level, and that is where their development as footballers begins.”Baloy said Panama’s progress is being driven by earlier-stage opportunities for young players. He said: “Football in Panama has come a long way, across all levels. Our national teams are now competing on the international stage and qualifying for World Cup tournaments.“There is increased emphasis on developing children and young players and giving them opportunities to compete from an early age.”He added: “For us to keep growing, it will be vital for the FPF to continue investing in education and development. Having our younger players competing in strong domestic leagues helps all our youth national teams and allows us to go to tournaments not just to take part, but to compete.”Baloy also welcomed FIFA’s expansion of the U-17 World Cup to an annual event with more teams. He said: “It’s a great opportunity for young players to get more chances to compete and go through a proper development process. It gives many teams a chance to qualify for the first time.”