The start of work to replace the soccer field at Raoul Illidge Sports Complex (RISC) – see related story – is good news. According to a release from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) this will benefit more than 1,500 users on a weekly basis.
This project submitted for financing since 2022 is made possible by the recently approved 2023 capital expenditure budget. It will be executed by the Dutch “Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbal Bond” (KNVB) to which the St. Maarten Football Federation (SMFF) is affiliated, based on its extensive experience in overseeing such developments.
They will reportedly install the Edel Soccer Diamondblade turf, adhering to the highest standards for
attaining the FIFA Quality Pro certification. The latter is said to be in alignment with the St. Maarten Sports Facility Policy, the Concacaf Stadium Guidelines 2022-2023 and the FIFA Quality Program for Football Turf.
Especially after this year’s successes of the young national team that earned them promotion in the Nations League, bringing the RISC up to standard for hosting international games and tournaments comes at an opportune moment. That they managed to do so well despite having to play their home games elsewhere, without local backing, can be considered a small miracle.
The stadium in Cay Hill obviously needs more improvements, but this is certainly a significant first step. Removing the old turf and levelling the underlying surface in February will be followed by the installation of a new artificial pitch, expected to be completed at the end of March.
During these months the field obviously cannot be used. However, if all goes according to plan it will no doubt prove an investment worth the wait.
