KNOTTSVILLE, W.Va., May 25, 2012 -- Arch Coal today announced that Tygart Valley's Leer mining complex has partnered with the Taylor County Soccer Association to provide land for the development of a nonprofit soccer complex that will serve hundreds of area families. Arch will donate a 25-year, renewable lease for a multi-acre parcel of land in Knottsville for the development of the facility.

"We're thrilled to have Arch Coal's support in the form of this land," said Cassie Conner, president of the Taylor County Soccer Association. "Arch Coal's leadership and generosity will allow us to focus our fundraising efforts on the development of soccer fields and facilities that will benefit all Taylor County residents."

The soccer board and local management from the Leer mining complex and Arch's land subsidiary, Ark Land, have been working for nearly two months to arrange the donation and create a master plan for the new complex.

"We saw the importance of providing a consistent location for youth soccer in Taylor County," said Scott Boylen, president and general manager of Leer mining complex. "It is a great opportunity to help provide our youth with an avenue for healthy living and sportsmanship."

According to Connor, recreational soccer has become a very popular sport in Taylor County, with a spring 2012 registration of nearly 325 players ranging from ages 4 to 18.

"America is fighting childhood obesity, and Taylor County is no different," said Sherry Knotts, registrar for the Soccer Association. "Soccer is an ideal sport for fitness, health, strength and endurance -- not to mention that it helps to increase skills in concentration, persistence and self-discipline."

The Taylor County Soccer Association, a 501(c)3 organization, is directed and staffed by nine volunteer parents from Taylor County. The 20 teams of players and the 40-plus volunteer coaches come from every neighborhood in the county. Visiting teams travel to Knottsville from surrounding counties.

St. Louis-based Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) is a top five global coal producer and marketer, with 157 million tons of coal sold in 2011. Arch is the most diversified American coal company, with more than 20 active mining complexes across every major U.S. coal supply basin. Arch is currently developing Tygart Valley's Leer mine, preparation plant and loadout. This new mining complex in Taylor County will create more than 300 permanent jobs and supply metallurgical coal to national and international steel manufacturers.