Chelsea FC Trains in Brand New Training Academy on Desso Artificial Turf

DENDERMONDE, Belgium, November 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Work is well under way with the latest addition to the state of the art facilities at Chelsea's Cobham training headquarters.

As part of the new phase of construction at the multi million pound complex, a new full size artificial turf pitch is currently being installed. Following a visit to their London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, who installed a Desso Challenge Pro60 pitch in 2006, Chelsea selected Desso as the surface provider for this prestigious project.

Despite their millions, Chelsea are committed to producing more home-grown talent. For this to happen, players young and old develop their football technique best on pitches that are technically perfect and artificial turf can provide this consistent quality. With its excellent play characteristics and longevity the Desso Challenge Pro60 will hopefully help Chelsea discover the stars of the future.

This facility will be used as part of the community programs Chelsea participate in, as well as for the club itself.

The construction of this facility is being undertaken by White Horse Contractors who are also carrying out natural turf work and landscaping, including the formation of a lake which will provide much of the irrigation needed for the site.

As well as Chelsea, Bolton Wanderers are also currently installing a Desso Challenge Pro pitch at their new Lostock Academy. This now brings the total to 13 out of the 20 Premiership clubs that play on a Desso surface.

About Desso Sports Systems

Desso Sports Systems is the European market leader for outdoor and indoor sports surfaces. On an annual basis, the company manufactures 3 million M squared of artificial turf for sports such as football, tennis, hockey and rugby. Desso GrassMaster, a patented strengthened natural grass system, is successful internationally with professional and amateur football clubs alike. Arsenal, Liverpool FC, Feyenoord, AZ Alkmaar, Lokomotiv Moscow and Rosenborg play on Desso turf in their stadiums.

Desso Sports Systems has its head office in Dendermonde and branches all over Europe. The company is part of the Desso group. The 1,000 Desso employees help to contribute to the company's annual turnover of around EUR 200 million. Desso was recently taken over by the Dutch company NPM Capital.

http://www.dessosports.com

For more info: Desso Sports Systems: Helga Webers, Marketing manager, hwebers@desso.com, tel +32-52-262 512