Serbia builds for the future

It was fitting that the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) held its recent annual general meeting (AGM) in Stara Pazova, 35km from Belgrade, because here a fresh chapter is being written in Serbian soccer history.

The FSS is building a sports centre on a plot of land several hundred metres from the theatre where the AGM took place in March. Once the new venue opens later this year, it will stage all association gatherings and football activities.

Delegates at the AGM, led by FSS president Tomislav Karadžić, visited the construction site to see how the work has progressed. They were accompanied by a UEFA delegation headed by UEFA fourth vice-president Marios N Lefkaritis.

"It looks really impressive," Lefkaritis said. "For countries like Serbia, this is a big project that will do a huge amount for everybody, including other sports. Above all, it will benefit the younger generations. I am proud that UEFA has contributed to the construction and we look forward to seeing this impressive structure complete. It is something Europe's football family should celebrate."

Karadžić added: "Seven pitches, a hotel, a museum, a football hall and other facilities will be available both for children to use and for all our national teams. We really need this house of football. Everything will be under one roof. We have undertaken this project in cooperation with UEFA and FIFA, and are delighted with their involvement. "

Among other items on the AGM agenda was Serbia's international results – a cause of satisfaction given the senior men's team qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A priority for next year will be the success of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals which Serbia hosts.