NFL Falcons Blank $50M To U.S. Soccer To Build Major Facility In Atlanta
Friday, September 15, 2023 at 11:59AM By Barry Janoff
September 15, 2023: Describing the move as part of its “ambitious strategic plan to grow soccer across the country,” the U.S. Soccer Federation said it would construct a designated National Training Center in the Atlanta area.
The construction will receive $50 million from Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot and majority owner of the NFL Atlanta Falcons and MLS Atlanta United.
The Coca-Cola Company, which unveiled a long-term partnership with U.S. Soccer in early July and has been a global partner of FIFA’s since 1974, “played an important role in bringing the National Training Center to the company’s hometown of Atlanta,” according to USSF.
“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,” Cindy Parlow Cone, USSF president, said via the organization.
“Investing in youth and adult programs as well as our Extended National Teams reflects our commitment to ensuring that players of all ages and backgrounds can find a home and thrive in this sport. These investments are a signal to our players, coaches, referees, members and fans that the future of U.S. Soccer is bright.”
The facility will serve as headquarters for the U.S. Soccer Federation, “creating a central hub for the entire soccer community, including coaches and referees, to access best-in-class training, technology and infrastructure to promote successful and sustainable playing environments throughout the country.”
USSF is currently based out of Chicago.
JT Batson, U.S. Soccer CEO and secretary general, is leading the search for a site in the Atlanta area and is being advised by Deloitte on the project.
The final decision on location for the National Training Center is scheduled to be made in January of 2024.
No timeline for completion was given. The FIFA 2026 Men’s World Cup is being hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, which would serve as a global unveiling for the facility.
While the National Training Center will be utilized by all 27 of U.S. Soccer’s National Teams — including the U.S. Women’s National Team and U.S. Men’s National Team — part of Blank’s contribution will specifically go toward the construction of facilities for U.S. Soccer’s nine Extended National Teams, “particularly in support of the Cerebral Palsy, Deaf, and Power Soccer National Teams, including thoughtful design of locker rooms and training facilities to maximize accessibility for players.
USSF said Blank’s contribution would also “fuel the Federation’s work to develop winning teams and grow the game across the U.S.
"This includes bolstering support of women’s youth national team camps and women’s coaching and mentorship initiatives."
The National Training Center will also host youth tournaments, soccer community conferences and will be a gathering place for the broader soccer ecosystem.
“America’s top athletes deserve the best when it comes to preparing them for competition on the global stage and I’m thrilled U.S. Soccer has chosen metro Atlanta as its new home,” said Blank via USSF.
“Atlanta’s incredible passion for soccer, corporate community and unmatched infrastructure make this a natural home for the National Training Center and I’m very confident our community will help America’s finest soccer players compete on a global level like never before.
In the region, support from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation will provide community programming to benefit soccer-focused non-profits in Metro Atlanta, including Soccer in the Streets and GA 100 partners, “that provide access, training and expert coaching opportunities to underserved communities.
“The Foundation and U.S. Soccer will leverage resources provided by the grant to create opportunities for community groups to be exposed to soccer through on-site experiences at tournaments and other events at the National Training Center and broadly supporting our membership,” according to USSF.
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