The maintenance crew for the FSS Sports Centre in Stara Pazova, Serbia, have been the first to benefit from a programme by the Serbian FA (FSS) to improves club pitches nationwide.

They received a set of pitch maintenance machinery. A training session on how best to use the equipment was also organised. The handover is part of a programme that pursues the building of 35 new pitches all over the country. This includes both natural grass and synthetic turf surfaces.

The equipment is also to be used to maintain the pitches at Kraljevica Stadium in Zaječar, Lagator Stadium in Loznica, and Dubočica Stadium in Leskovac. Some of the equipment will also be used to maintain the pitches at the FSS Sports Centre, which is used by the national teams.

Other clubs that will receive a similar set include FK Vojvodina, FK Spartak ŽK, FK Novi Pazar, FK Radnički Niš, FK Napredak, FK Mladost, FK Javor Matis and FK Radnik.

Better infrastructure

By handing over maintenance equipment, the FSS hopes to increase the lifespan of pitches. It also intends to improve quality and maintain peak condition. These efforts are aimed at developing young players and bringing the level of play more in tune with modern football which is characterised by a faster pace and more athletic players.

Serbia has 17 synthetic turf pitches that comply with the FIFA Quality Pro standard and seven that meet the FIFA Quality standard. In 2027, Serbia will host the U-21 European Championship in which seven national teams will participate.