Mission Accomplished: Football Turf in Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan, November 22, 2010 - As part of the FIFA Goal project the construction of a new
artificial turf pitch in Afghanistan is a fact. In a country shattered by 30
years of violence this achievement represents a milestone which has been
celebrated with an official inauguration. The Dutch company GreenFields, a
leading synthetic turf company, has completed the installation of this brand
new football field at the future Olympic Centre in Kabul.

(Photo:
www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101122/420853 )

Changing lives through football

Although football is immensely popular in Afghanistan, it goes
without saying that it has taken a back seat as Afghanistan struggles to
overcome decades of conflict which destroyed much of the country's sporting
infrastructure. Football in Afghanistan is a challenge at the best of times
and especially for women a risky venture. Although there still is a long way
to go, the realization of the new 3rd generation football pitch is a positive
development for football in Afghanistan and represents a momentum for
progress.

Hugo de Vries, CEO of GreenFields, said: "GreenFields could
not be more proud that we have been chosen for this FIFA Goal project.
Developments in Kabul are positive, but it still has a long way to go and a
multitude of difficult challenges will have to be faced. As sports can play a
key role in creating a safe space and encourage social change we do hope
that, although this football field is a relatively small step, it will have a
substantial contribution to a peaceful, prosperous, and stable Afghanistan."

Women Football in Afghanistan

The Afghanistan national team, the national youth teams, and
local football clubs will use the field the whole year through for training
sessions as well as games. The new field might even help to change the
perception of women's place in Afghanistan's society as it is planned for
women football teams to train and play on the football field as well.
Nowadays women must still play, literally, behind closed doors. On the new
pitch they would play in the open, on a safe and high quality surface,
offering a possibility to forge new paths for women.

For more information visit: www.greenfields.eu

Notes to Editor:

GreenFields, located in Genemuiden, The Netherlands, is a
leading global player within the industry of synthetic turf and a specialist
in development, production, supply, installation and maintenance of synthetic
turf systems.

Photo:
www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101122/420853

Rob Venneker, E-mail: rob.venneker at gmail.com, Tel.: +43-6763166960