My first step was to apply for a grant to build a series of soccer fields throughout the province, and I am happy to report that my request was approved in Baghdad. I have the funds to build 14 fields from scratch. These will be dirt fields, as is the custom here, but they will be leveled and fenced off and designated as parks by the
relevant local authorities.
The next step is to create a bona fide soccer league. I will target 8-18 year-olds and hope to provide them with soccer team jerseys and other equipment. Today many of these kids are literally playing soccer barefoot in the dirt, so anything that you might be able to donate would be put to good use: jerseys, shorts, shin guards, bags, shoes, etc. The U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne has agreed to provide us with a supply of soccer balls, a great gesture on their part, but we could always use more.
Shipping items to me couldn’t be easier. The PRT is serviced by the military "APO" postal system. If you’ve never sent something to an APO address before, you would pay the cost of shipping a package domestically (the equivalent of sending something to an address in North Carolina) via the USPS, and then the military takes it from there. My APO address is as follows:
Barry Greenberg
PRT Muthanna
Camp Adder / Tallil Air Base
APO AE 09331
Please don’t forget to include a short note about the source of the donation so that we can give you credit in our press release. Once construction of the fields is finished, we anticipate having a major media event for the Baghdad-based press corps to come to Muthanna and witness the inauguration of the new soccer league. At this occasion, we will also formally donate the equipment. I have already received interest from the Washington Post, USA Today, and an AP wire journalist to cover the event. Representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports couldn’t be more supportive and engaged. This is a win-win for all involved.
Indeed, this project has the potential to have a major impact on people’s lives. With so much bad news coming out of the U.S. presence in Iraq, stories like this soccer league can help shape a positive impression of what the U.S. is trying to accomplish here and leave a lasting impact on young members of the community. If kids are having fun on the soccer field, maybe even wearing an American jersey, the militias and other insurgent elements have much less sway.
I’m happy to answer any questions about Muthanna province, the concept of the soccer league, or how your donation will be put to good use. Thank you for considering support for this soccer initiative.
Warm regards,
Barry Greenberg
Foreign Service Officer
PRT Muthanna, Iraq
U.S. Department of State
