Atlanta’s hometown soccer club is investing in the next generation of players across the state.
The Atlanta United FC Community Fund announced it has awarded $865,000 in grants to build or refurbish 10 additional mini-soccer pitches across Georgia as part of its GA 100 initiative, a program aimed at expanding access to the sport in underserved communities. 
The latest round of funding pushes the initiative past a major milestone, bringing the total number of fields completed or under development to 40 across the state. 
Launched in 2020 through the Atlanta United Community Fund and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, the GA 100 program aims to build up to 100 mini-pitches in under-resourced communities across Georgia, giving kids safe places to play and gather. 
“These new mini-pitches mark an exciting milestone,” said Atlanta United executive Skate Noftsinger, noting the program is designed to create spaces where young people and families can connect through the sport. 
The new fields will be built in communities across the state, including Toccoa, McDonough, Ocilla, Clarkston, Norcross, Decatur, Rome, Rockmart, and Trion, partnering with schools, YMCA branches, and Boys & Girls Clubs. 
Each site will serve as a community hub where children can play soccer, participate in programs, and enjoy safe recreational spaces.
The program also encourages local investment — nonprofit groups that receive the grants must provide matching funding or in-kind support to help complete the projects. 
Atlanta United officials say the effort reflects the club’s commitment to growing the game while strengthening communities across Georgia.
For many neighborhoods, the new fields will offer something simple but powerful: a place for kids to play.
The $1.15 million in grants will be committed to the following organizations to build 12 mini-pitches across the state:
- A.W. Mathews Boys and Girls Club (Mableton, Ga.)
- Atrium Health Polk Medical Center (Cedartown, Ga.)
- Atrium Health (Rome, Ga.)
- Atrium Health (Summerville, Ga.)
- Bay Creek Middle School (Grayson, Ga.)
- Berkmar Middle School (Lilburn, Ga.)
- Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta (Statenville, Ga.)
- Dacula Middle School (Dacula, Ga.)
- Duluth Middle School (Duluth, Ga.)
- Henderson Mill Elementary School (Atlanta, Ga.)
- John Hope Community Center (Atlanta, Ga.)
- New City Church: UPPER90 (Lawrenceville, Ga.)
