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The U.S. Soccer Federation held a groundbreaking ceremony for its first national training center and headquarters on Monday, unveiling the new facility as the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center.
Artist rendering of the Arthur M. Blank US Soccer National Training Center. (Courtesy of US Soccer)
ATLANTA – The U.S. Soccer Federation broke ground on its first national training center and headquarters Monday, unveiling the new facility as the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center.
The effort to build the training center was made possible by a $50 million gift last year from businessman and philanthropist Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of Atlanta United.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp attended the ceremony, along with Mr. Blank, officials from U.S. Soccer and Fayette County, and Trilis founder Dan Cathy of Fayette County, Georgia, where the facility will be built. Attended the first excavation. to place.
The training center will span 200 acres and include more than a dozen soccer fields and more than 100,000 square feet of indoor courts for all 27 teams on the U.S. national soccer team, including senior women's, men's, youth and extended national teams. The facility will also include more than 200,000 square feet of high-performance facilities, locker rooms, meeting rooms and headquarters space for all U.S. Soccer employees and is expected to open in 2026.
“Today is another great day for American and Georgia soccer. My family and I are truly honored and humbled to receive the name of this center, but it's not about us; it's about receiving the name of this center. “This is an issue for countless young men and women who have the opportunity to pursue their dreams here,” Blank said in a statement. “This facility will be more than just a place to play soccer, it will be a hub of joy and opportunity for the surrounding community and all who walk through its doors. We look forward to our continued partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation and the beautiful game of the game. We look forward to sharing our passion for its continued growth.”
Although this training center will be used by all of U.S. Soccer's national teams, a portion of the donation from Blank and his family foundation will specifically support the construction of the facility for U.S. Soccer's nine Enlarged National Teams (ENTs). Particularly, the money will be used to support celebrities. The Paralyzed (CP), Deaf and Powered (Wheelchair) Soccer National Team includes thoughtful design of locker rooms and training facilities to maximize player accessibility.
“Arthur's contributions are the foundation of our partnership in Atlanta, and his generosity will transform soccer in America,” U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cohn said in a statement. “The Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center provides purpose-built facilities to serve the entire American soccer ecosystem, from all 27 national teams to all members and countless players, coaches, and referees across the United States. “It's going to have a huge impact. For training, for recovery, for innovation. I truly believe this facility will contribute to the growth of soccer in America and take us to the next level.”
US Soccer CEO JT Batson added: We are building the foundation for the future of American soccer here in Atlanta. This effort represents our shared aspirations and ambitions, and we are deeply grateful to the State of Georgia, the City of Atlanta, Fayette County, and all of our sponsors and partners for making this milestone possible. With the enthusiastic support of the greater Atlanta community and Trillis' new neighbors, Arthur Blank's historic investment underscores its deep commitment to the future of U.S. soccer. We are ready to take our sport to new heights and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. ”
