Bender, March 7, 2026 – Young footballers in Bender are set to benefit from significant upgrades to their training facilities. A building on Industrialnaya Street, formerly home to a vehicle inspection station, is undergoing renovations to provide improved accommodations for both the city’s football academy and its gymnastics program. The project, funded by the local budget, is slated for completion by summer.
For nearly three decades, athletes have been utilizing the sports hall on the first floor of the building. However, limited space has meant that young footballers and gymnasts shared cramped changing rooms, and there were no shower facilities available. That’s about to change, according to Alexander Zveryaka, head of the city’s sports center.
“We will separate the football and gymnastics sections,” Zveryaka explained in an interview with Bender Television. “The gymnasts will enter through one entrance and use the first floor, while the footballers will enter through a second entrance and use the second floor.”
The Bender football school currently serves approximately 200 students. Their primary training ground is the “Shelkovik” stadium, conveniently located just a three-minute walk from the renovated facility. The upgrades will provide a much-needed boost to the program, offering a more comfortable and functional environment for young athletes to develop their skills.
The renovation project encompasses a comprehensive overhaul of the building. New medical rooms and coaching offices are being constructed. Separate changing rooms and shower facilities will be provided for both boys and girls. The building will also receive updated restrooms. Work is progressing rapidly, with plastering, painting, and the installation of new lighting, windows, and doors already underway. The next phase will focus on plumbing installation, followed by roof repairs, a new foundation drain, and partial facade renovations.
The improvements represent a significant investment in the city’s youth sports infrastructure. The goal is to create a modern, well-equipped facility that supports the development of aspiring athletes in Bender. The upgrades aren’t just about providing better facilities; they’re about fostering a more positive and productive training environment for the next generation of Moldovan footballers and gymnasts.
The location of the facility, on Industrialnaya Street, places it within a developing area of Bender. The city, situated on the right bank of the Dniester River in the eastern part of Moldova and the southwestern part of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, continues to invest in its community resources. The proximity of the “Shelkovik” stadium ensures that footballers have ample space for on-field training, while the renovated building will provide a dedicated space for pre- and post-training routines, as well as medical support.
The completion of this project this summer will mark a new chapter for youth sports in Bender, providing a foundation for continued growth and success for the city’s young athletes. Fans can follow updates on the project through local news outlets like Bender Television and Novosti Pridnestrovya.
(Photo: BTV)
