The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) plans to build its first-ever national training center in Atlanta, placing the city at the center of its efforts to advance the sport across the country.
The announcement comes at a crucial juncture for the USSF as North America prepares to host several global events in the coming years, highlighted by the 2026 World Cup, with Atlanta among the selected host cities. While the exact location of the training center has yet to be determined, its eventual construction in the metro area has the potential to cement Atlanta’s status as a driving force in American soccer, according to Kirk Bowman, director of Georgia Tech’s Vertically Integrated Project: Soccer, Community, Innovation, and Politics.
“I see it as the cherry on the cake, and a way that Atlanta really could be the capital of soccer for the United States and maybe even all of North America,” said Bowman, Regents Entrepreneur and professor in the School of International Affairs.
In their announcement, USSF leaders praised Atlanta’s passion for soccer, which Bowman says is reflected in the meteoric rise of Atlanta United. Since the club’s inaugural match at Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2017, the Five Stripes have continuously led Major League Soccer’s attendance figures. While the numbers are impressive, Bowman says the makeup of the crowds gives Atlanta its sterling reputation in the soccer community.
“Atlanta is a multicultural city. If you look at the crowds, it’s like the United Nations at those games. There are people from every background, from different cultures, languages, and communities, including the hip-hop community. So, Atlanta has a reputation of being a hotbed for soccer fans, and everywhere you go in the world, more people recognize Atlanta for soccer than they do for hosting the Olympic Games,” he said.
Along with providing world-class resources to the USSF’s 27 national teams, the training center will host youth tournaments,…
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