The Chilean Prime Minister, Sebastián Piñera has announced plans to construct 150 grassroots football facilities across the country as part of a strategy to double the number of people playing sport.

Piñera's Government will invest US$170m (£104m, 120m euro) in the project 'Chile Estadios' which will be divided in two areas. US$75m (£45m, 53m euro) will be used to refurbish existing stadiums such as Municipal Calama, La Granja de Curico and Fiscal de Tasca, while US$95m (£58m, 67m euro) will be invested in new grassroots facilities.

According to official figures, only two million Chileans participate regularly in sports activities. "We want to make Chile a country of athletes because it is good for the body and soul," Piñera said.

The new facilities will be publicly owned and operated in partnership with the Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Amateur (ANFA), the Chilean Association for Amateur Football.

The president of ANFA, Sergio Jelvez said "The 'Chile Estadios' project is an excellent idea because it will benefit the amateur football across the country."