The Economic Department of the Embassy of the Czech Republic collaborated with the UHER Company to gift an innovative soccer court to DC United Academy, the youth and development program for the Major League Soccer Club DC United. It is the first such team to use this equipment in the United States. Head of the Economic Department Tomas Hart presented the court to the Academy’s U-15 Head Coach and Coordinator of Camps and Training Programs Gus Teren on June 16, 2016. The Academy plans to utilize the equipment in its youth practices and competitions.

The state-of-the-art soccer court, complete with two soccer goals, is highly durable and resistant to corrosion. It is easily and quickly assembled on any surface. It is manufactured in the Czech Republic by the UHER Company, an international top producer and distributor of soccer and floorball courts, street hockey rinks, multipurpose outdoor rinks, badminton courts, and sport floorings. The company is currently seeking to enter the American market.

The soccer court was first on display on May 14, 2016, at the Czech Embassy during its open house, which welcomed 3,300 curious visitors. DC United’s Coach James Shields and Forward Andre Akpan participated, cheering children on as they practiced their soccer skills within the rink.