Sept. 8, 2010

FAIRFAX, Va. - Members of the international soccer governing body FIFA arrived on the campus of George Mason University on Tuesday as the Patriots' soccer facilities were inspected by the delegation. The group, consisting of representatives from seven countries, was touring the site as one of the practice facilities to be used as part of the United States' bid for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup.

The delegation, which also included representatives from the U.S. bid including soccer great John Harkes, was welcomed by George Mason University president Alan Merten along with Assistant V.P./Director of Athletics Tom O'Connor and head men's soccer coach Greg Andrulis.

After introductions, members of the FIFA group had a chance to shoot on one of the Patriots' goals, and each were presented with special gifts from Mason Athletics. The group then posed for a photo with the Mason men's soccer team and proceeded to their next stop, which includes a number of sites around the country.

Video from the event can be found below.