Atlanta has been selected as the venue for the home of U.S. Soccer’s new headquarters and for “the organization’s first-ever designated national training center.” U.S. Soccer has decided to move from Chicago. On Friday, U. S. Soccer and Georgia officials announced the move to Georgia. Both entities claimed the development will make Atlanta a “central hub for the entire soccer community.”
The move from Chicago to Atlanta, Georgia, was influenced, undoubtedly, by a pledge by Arthur Blank to donate $50 million to support the construction of the training facility. Mr. Blank is the owner of Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons.
U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone exclaimed: “This National Training Center will accelerate the growth of soccer in this country and will represent a commitment to developing elite soccer players for decades to come.” Parlow spoke glowingly about “investing in youth and adult programs.” Parlow added the “Extended National Teams” reflects U.S. Soccer’s “commitment to ensuring that players of all ages and backgrounds can find a home and thrive in this sport.” Parlow added that these investments signal to players, coaches, referees, members and fans “that the future of U.S. Soccer is bright.”
Background information describing the scope of the facility’s services indicates that it will “serve as the hub for the league’s 27 national teams as well as nine extended national teams.” These nine extended teams include specialized populations, such as the Cerebral Palsy, Deaf, and Power Soccer National Teams. Officials emphasize that “the locker rooms and facilities will be designed to maximum accessibility.”
Blank proudly declared that “America’s top athletes deserve the best when it comes to preparing them for competition on the global stage.” Blank added that he is “thrilled U.S. Soccer has chosen metro Atlanta as its new home.” Blank referenced Atlanta’s passion for soccer, its “corporate community and its unmatched infrastructure” that will make it “a natural home for the National Training Center.”
Blank expressed his confidence that the Atlanta community will engage with the soccer programs and “help America’s finest soccer players compete on a global level like never before.” Additionally, Blank emphasized his mission to reach out to “underserved communities” as part of the facility’s contribution. Scores of young people will benefit “through engagement with the beautiful game for generations to come.”