Germany donates football training center for Jaffna

Bernard PERERA

The German government made a donation of 100,000 Euros for the construction of a football training center in Jaffna. This was sequel to a request made by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka through the German Embassy in Sri Lanka. The request made by the FFSL was given due consideration by the German government who made it possible through the ambassador in Sri Lanka Jens Plotner which was handed over to the President of the FFSL yesterday at the Football House.

The Ambassador addressing the media said Sri Lanka suffered its worst disaster the tsunami which devastated most of the coastal belt of the island. This disaster caused immense difficulties to all sections of the community in these areas specially to the younger generation. Some of them lost parents and were in dire straits with out any hope for their survival.

When the call came for assistance for these disaster struck to have hope for their future the FIFA Coaching Instructor Holgar Oberman presented the call for assistance to the German Football Federation. On hearing the this the German national Football team which was placed third at the 2006 World Cup donated a sum of 250,000 Euros for the construction of a football training center in Matara to give the much needed hope for the destitute in the area. It became a reality few years ago and now it is functioning well said the Ambassador.

The young generation of Jaffna was not able to have a free life playing and enjoying their lives for the past thirty years. They were witnessing the destruction and were always hearing only gunfire, while some others were used to participate in terrorist activities by force whether they or their parents liked or not.

This situation has now changed and the time has come for them to engage themselves in sporting activities. We as Germans were monitoring them and thought it fitting to give them some hope for their future said the Ambassador Jens Poltner. Once it is done the Germans never thought as it as finished but was in constant touch to see to the maintenance of the same.

They thought it is one of their commitments and now has come forward with a another sum of 10,000 Euros for the upkeep of the center.

The cheque for this amount too was handed over yesterday to the FFSL. They also donated footballs for the use Jaffna and Matara Football Leagues.

FFIA Coaching Instructor who was instrumental in gaining this donations for Sri Lanka speaking said that Sri Lankans are a set of people who are always courteous and with smiling faces.

The projects give hope for the people of Matara. I have been in constant touch with the Football Federation and have witnessed a good progress. I am thankful to the FFSL for keen interest taken in these projects sad Oberman.

He also thanked the Chairman of the Management Committee of FFSL Manilal Fernando other officials for the support extended while the project work was in progress.