HA NOI — A new synthetic football pitch has been presented to the Birla Children's Village orphanage in Ha Noi.

The 650sq.m pitch valued at US$10,000 is ideal for small games. It's a gift from the Australian Embassy in Ha Noi, the Victorian Police Football Club and the Hilton Ha Noi Opera Hotel.

"We are very grateful to the sponsors for giving the orphanage's children this fantastic gift. The pitch will make the children very happy and will improve their health," said Le Tuan Huu, deputy director general of the Ha Noi Department of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs.

The Victorian Police Football Club also visited the orphanage in February this year and donated footballs and footwear to children. The club plans to provide on-going support to the Birla youth football team.