One of Atlanta United's primary goals is to make the beautiful game more accessible and inclusive for everyone in the state of Georgia. Since the Atlanta United Foundation (AUF) launched this past October, there have been huge strides made to do that.
Station Soccer Grant (Oct. 2016)
Since the Atlanta United Foundation launch in October 2016, 'Station Soccer' has worked with more than 1,000 children, delivered over 60 sessions and hosted several community soccer engagements.
Soccer in the Streets runs pay-to-play adult leagues at 'Station Soccer', providing a source for developmental youth coaching and generating funds for their free youth programming.
Global Recognition and Awards
- US Soccer Foundation’s Urban Soccer Symposium Innovation Award 2017
- Atlanta Urban Design Award of Excellence 2017
- Beyond Sport Global Awards Official Shortlist 2017 - Sport for Innovation and Tech Award
- Urban Land Institute Atlanta Annual Awards of Excellence - "Building Healthy Places" category
Soccer In the Streets Westside Elementary Grant (Aug. 2016 – May 2017)
At the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year, Soccer in the Streets implemented the Positive Choice program in six elementary schools. With the support of the Atlanta United Foundation, Soccer in the Streets has had the opportunity to spread the love of soccer to areas of the metro Atlanta area that have not before had access to local youth soccer leagues. The response from the children, teachers, parents, and principals has been so extraordinary that plans are in development to expand the program for the 2017-2018 school year.
Community Onside Team (Dec. 2016)
The Atlanta United Foundation formed an employee grant committee that would consult on AUF’s programs and grant approvals. Across the organization, we are invested in giving back to our community and this team gives our employees the chance to invest in their team’s community efforts and impact the lives of Georgia youth.
Next Great Pitch (Apr. 2017)
Announced in April, the Foundation launched an initiative to discover “The Next Great Pitch” in Atlanta. The Atlanta United Foundation requested proposals for iconic, breakthrough ideas for the design and construction of a new mini-pitch in Metro Atlanta and are currently selecting finalists to move on to the next phase of the contest.
The winning project will become a space that accelerates soccer participation and demonstrates how the power of sport can help unite a community.
Good Sports Equipment Donations (May 2017)
The Atlanta United Foundation and Good Sports, a national nonprofit, are joining forces to provide $150,000 worth of brand new soccer equipment and apparel to youth programs and schools across the state of Georgia through two cycles of donations.
These donations will not only aid in the growth of existing programs, but will also provide the opportunity for youth organizations to offer soccer for the first time by removing the barrier of high equipment costs. The initiative is set for two different cycles, and is projected to benefit over 1,000 of Georgia’s youth by providing the balls, uniforms, shin guards needed to get off the sideline and in the game.
Julie Foudy Leadership Academy Scholarships(June 2017)
Ten girls from the Fugees Academy were awarded full scholarships to attend the Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy this past June at the Darlington School in Rome, Georgia.
Program background:
The JFSLA combines a four-night, five-day residential sports camp with a dynamic leadership curriculum for girls, ages 12-18. The focus of the JFSLA is to expose students to a unique curriculum that combines two overlapping components: sports and leadership. Student athletes participate in sport-specific drills followed by a high energy and inspirational classroom setting where they will experience the Academy's leadership development program.
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