The Korea Football Association (KFA) said Tuesday it will donate soccer equipment to East Timor, the former Indonesian province that recently became an independent nation after a bloody civil war.

The association decided to make the donation after receiving a letter from the Korean peace-keeping forces in East Timor. Known as the "Evergreen Unit," the soldiers have been forming bonds with the East Timorese population in their spare time by operating soccer schools and holding matches with local residents.

In their letter, however, they said they lacked the necessary equipment to properly operate the program. In response, the KFA decided to send soccer balls, uniforms and other equipment to East Timor so that the Evergreen Unit will be able to promote peace through soccer.

The KFA plans to send the unit 100 pairs of soccer cleats for children, 50 pairs of cleats for adults, 100 sets of team uniforms for children, 50 sets of uniforms for adults and 50 soccer balls.

In all, the KFA will donate about U.S. $ 11,595 worth of goods.