(L-R) NSC Director Jason Menzies, FFB Secretary General Ian Jones, Minister of Sports Anthony Mahler, BBF President Jacob Leslie, FFB President Sergio Chuc, Minister of State (Sports) Devin Daly, and BBF Vice President Raul Rosado at agreement signing – Photo Credit: FFB
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The National Sports Council of Belize (NSC) has signed two major national agreements with the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) and the Belize Basketball Federation (BBF), marking a coordinated push to modernize sporting facilities, expand access, and strengthen athlete development across multiple disciplines.
The agreements—one focused on upgrading football fields with FIFA‑certified synthetic turf and the other on expanding multi‑sport court access—represent some of the most significant infrastructure commitments undertaken by the NSC in recent years.
Minister of Sports Anthony Mahler and FFB President Sergio Chuc shake hands at NSC/FFB agreement signing – Photo Credit: NSC/FFB/Yashmin Juan
FIFA‑Certified Synthetic Pitches Coming Nationwide
In its joint announcement with the FFB, the NSC confirmed that the partnership will deliver “the supply and installation of a FIFA‑certified synthetic football pitch at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, along with the expansion and modernization of synthetic playing surfaces at key sports facilities nationwide.”
The project, expected to take six to eight months from procurement to completion, includes a full resurfacing of the Isidoro Beaton Football Field to international standards. New FIFA‑quality synthetic turf will also be installed at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City and the Santa Elena Sports Complex in Santa Elena, Cayo. Community‑based synthetic pitches are planned for Belize City, Orange Walk, and Punta Gorda, while the Faber’s Road Field and Berger Community Field (both in Belize City) will be resurfaced with upgraded materials designed for heavy use.
The NSC emphasized that the initiative “prioritizes safe, accessible, and high-quality spaces where young athletes can train, compete, and thrive.” All surfaces will meet the latest FIFA Quality Turf standards and undergo independent testing and certification, with the FFB providing technical guidance and maintenance training to NSC ground staff.
Minister of Sports Anthony Mahler (left) and BBF President Jacob Leslie shake hands at NSC/BFF agreement signing – Photo Credit: NSC/FFB/Yashmin Juan
NSC and BBF Sign MOU to Expand Multi‑Sport Court Access
In a separate agreement, the NSC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Belize Basketball Federation to improve coordination and shared use of indoor and outdoor courts across the country. The NSC described the MOU as “a significant step forward in the collaborative development and utilization of indoor and outdoor sporting facilities across Belize.”
The partnership “establishes a framework for cooperation between the NSC and BBF for the joint use, management, and multi-sport adaptation of six (6) courts,” ensuring they can effectively serve basketball, volleyball, and other NSC‑approved activities. The joint release did not disclose which specific courts will be adapted.
The NSC said the agreement reaffirms its commitment to “promoting greater accessibility for athletes, and fostering stronger coordination among national sporting associations.” Under the MOU, the NSC will coordinate scheduling and equitable access, while the BBF will use the courts for sanctioned activities and “cooperating fully with NSC scheduling arrangements and adhering to facility rules and standards.”
NSC Director Jason Menzies signs agreement with FFB while Minister Anthony Mahler looks on. Photo Credit: NSC/FFB/Yashmin Juan
Ministry of Sports: Support for Federations, But With Standards
Sports Minister Anthony Mahler, speaking on the Ministry’s broader approach to national sports development, said the Ministry will continue collaborating with and supporting sports federations across different disciplines—but only those that demonstrate seriousness and commitment to development. Some federations, he noted, have not met that standard.
His remarks align with the Ministry’s recent commitments, including support for the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL), which tips off on February 21 with seven teams.
A Unified Push for National Sports Development
Across both agreements, the NSC framed the initiatives as long‑term investments in Belize’s sporting future. The Council said the football partnership “strengthen[s] national sports infrastructure while promoting inclusivity, equity, and opportunity at the grassroots level,” while the basketball MOU “strengthens collaboration, optimizes infrastructure use, and expands opportunities for athletes at all levels.”
The NSC added that it looks forward to working closely with both federations to ensure that upgraded fields and multi‑sport courts serve as “dynamic spaces for competition, training, and community engagement.”
BBF President Jacob Leslie and Vice President Raul Rosado sign MOU with the National Sports Council. Photo Credit: NSC/FFB/Yashmin Juan
FFB Secretary General Ian Jones signs agreement with NSC. Photo Credit: NSC/FFB/Yashmin Juan
