US Soccer Announces Plans for New National Training Center in Atlanta

U.S. Soccer announced plans to build its first-ever National Training Center in Atlanta via a release on Friday, with billionaire Atlanta United and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank contributing $50 million to the project.

The facility will serve as the U.S. Soccer Federation's new headquarters, "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."

It will be utilized by all 27 of U.S. Soccer's National Teams.

The organization said it will decide on an exact location in January of 2024, with construction set to begin next year. Per the release, U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson is heading the search for the site, with Deloitte advising him on the matter.

“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,” U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said.

Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, will fund part of the endeavor. A portion of Blanks' contribution will be designated for the construction of facilities for U.S. Soccer's nine Extended National Teams (ENTs).

“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,” Blank said. “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 addition to its role as U.S. Soccer's headquarters, the facility will host youth tournaments and soccer community conferences. Blanks' foundation will also offer community programming geared at offering access, training and coaching opportunities to "soccer-focused non-profits in Metro Atlanta."

The federation is currently based in downtown Chicago. In February, the Athletic reported that Atlanta and Cary, North Carolina, were among cities in the running for U.S. Soccer's new national facility. The Cary site would have utilized existing facilities at WakeMed Soccer Park, which hosted the NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse semifinals and final in May, along with a host of other sporting events — including multiple NCAA (men's and women's) College Cups and the 2019 NWSL Championship — since it opened in 2002.

In a statement released by the federation, 20 current and former national team members expressed excited at the news.

"A National Training Center is such an important step forward for U.S. Soccer, most notably for what has been a vital piece of the puzzle, and that’s our Youth National Teams," former USWNT captain Julie Foudy said. "The importance of youth development cannot be understated or under-supported.

"Our Youth National Teams need the resources, the time in camps together, and the opportunities for these players to reach their full potential."

The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup is being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of Atlanta United and the Falcons, will host matches during the event.