Johannesburg - A project to build 27 artificial soccer turfs for children in rural areas and informal settlements was launched on Monday.
The 2010 Artificial Turf Programme will aid in developing grassroots football and forms part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup legacy project to ensure that hosting the event benefits all South Africans and Africa.
The 2010 Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer, Danny Jordaan said there was a need to strengthen grassroots development by providing quality football fields to accelerate the generation of world class players at South African Football Association (SAFA) level.
He said the proposed facilities would to be built with synthetic surfaces to reduces the cost of upkeep on a continual basis. Each facility will have a clubhouse, change rooms, proper packing space as well as offices for use by the local football community.
The LOC's legacy sub-committee and SAFA have already identified the first nine facilities for the year 2009. One will be built in each province.
"These innovative facilities will also complement the grassroots programme by providing the much needed facilities," said Dr Jordaan.
The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, which pledged R81 million in support for the project, places emphasis on areas of greatest need and greatest potential, said Media Liaison Manager Sershan Naidoo.
He said all South Africans should gain from, and contribute to, South Africa's development.
