2010 legacy programme hits jackpot

In a massive boost for the 2010 Fifa World Cup™ legacy programme, the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) on Monday made a major contribution to a programme which will significantly aid grassroots football development in rural and township areas in South Africa.

The NLDTF has granted R81-million in support of the 2010 Artificial Football Turf programme. Under the programme a total of 27 Fifa one star artificial turfs will be built over the next three years in rural and township areas around South Africa. These facilities will also complement the South African Football Association’s (Safa) grassroots programme by providing the much needed facilities.

“One of the worst legacies of sport under apartheid is the dearth of football facilities in disadvantaged areas and the complete lack of recognition and support by the apartheid government of the sport,” OC Chief Executive Officer Dr Danny Jordaan said at the announcement today.

“That is why when we bid to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup we did so on the basis that it leaves a lasting legacy for football in South Africa. We need to strengthen grassroots development by providing quality football fields to accelerate the generation of world class players at the level of the regions of Safa. The 27 fields will be the catalyst to build a new generation of footballers and I am delighted that the World Cup can contribute to this important development,” explained Jordaan.

The proposed facilities are to be built with synthetic surfaces which reduces the cost of upkeep on a continual basis. It is proposed that at each facility there will be a clubhouse and office for use by the local football community.

The OC, through its legacy sub-committee and in conjunction with Safa has identified the first nine facilities for the year 2008, one in each of the nine provinces.

“The NLDTF places emphasis on areas of greatest need and greatest potential, so that all South Africans can gain from, and contribute to, South Africa’s development. In supporting this project, the National Lottery Distribution Fund is confident that the grant will have a positive impact on the communities the facilities will serve,” said NLDTF media liaison manager Sershan Naidoo.

The NLDTF, which relies on funds generated by the National Lottery, currently has in the region of R2 billion a year to distribute to registered non-profit organisations in the fields of charities, arts, culture and national heritage and sport and recreation that meet the qualifying criteria.

Source: www.sa2010.gov.za/node/1977

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