​Mato Grosso do Sul’s CD: potential for social and sporting changeMato Grosso do Sul Development Center: Potential for social and sporting transformation in the state Credits: Rodrigo Moreira/CBFOpened on Thursday morning (3), the Football Development Center of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul was praised for its potential to drive social and sporting transformation in the state. For the president of the Mato Grosso do Sul Football Federation (FFMS), Estevão Petrallás, the facility located in Campo Grande will be the “foundation” of local football.“Mato Grosso do Sul will bring its youth system to Campo Grande and to a center that belongs to it, offered by FIFA through the Legacy (World Cup) work and, above all, through President Samir’s responsibility in resuming the construction works and delivering (the Development Centers) for use in the sport that is growing the most in the world. And football is an instrument of social inclusion. Samir and his board deserve congratulations. They are young leaders, but with a mindset focused on the future,” he said.Estevão Petrallás celebrated the inauguration of the Football Development Center of the State of Mato Grosso do SulCredits: Rodrigo Moreira/CBFMato Grosso do Sul’s Development Center was the eighth inaugurated by the CBF since the project was revived in July 2025. Since then, units in Rondônia, Tocantins, Amapá, Sergipe, Santa Catarina, Espírito Santo and Piauí have gone into operation.“We are very happy to deliver this Development Center. It is the eighth one we have delivered under this administration. Now we have six more that, God willing, we will deliver next year. I’m very happy to see all these kids and to see these Centers becoming a reality,” celebrated CBF Assets Director Catherine Veloso.Samir Xaud and Estevão Petrallás together after unveiling the inauguration plaque of the Football Development Center of the State of Mato Grosso do SulCredits: Rodrigo Moreira/CBFPará had its facility delivered in 2014. CBF vice president and president of the Pará Football Federation, Ricardo Paul, commented on how Pará uses its Development Center, which is located in Belém.“Pará has had its (Development) Center since 2015, and today it is a machine for youth competitions, training and development. I’m happy to see this project here in Mato Grosso do Sul and being delivered all across Brazil,” celebrated Paul, who also explained that investing in the grassroots of Brazilian football is synonymous with “technical development, social engagement and a means of transformation” for young people, as well as a path to renewing the Brazilian National Team.“Whenever there is a renewal in a World Cup cycle, we ask ourselves what will be done differently and how we will get to the next World Cup. I have no doubt that the answer is investing in the grassroots, developing a new generation and bringing these boys, in addition to technical training, social engagement and a me