News Summary
The U.S. Soccer Federation has unveiled plans for a new National Soccer Training facility in Fayette County, costing $228 million. The facility, set to open by April 2026, will provide state-of-the-art resources for 27 U.S. national soccer teams and include 17 pitches. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to elevate soccer’s profile in the U.S. and is expected to create around 400 jobs in the local community, enhancing accessibility and boosting the local economy as Atlanta prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fayetteville, Georgia – The U.S. Soccer Federation has officially announced the construction of a new National Soccer Training facility in Fayette County, a significant development ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. A ceremonial beam-raising event, attended by prominent figures from the U.S. Soccer Federation and The Home Depot, marked the beginning of this ambitious project. With an estimated cost of $228 million, the facility is expected to be completed in April 2026, just in time for the international tournament that will see Atlanta hosting eight matches.
The new training center will cover an impressive 200,000 square feet and will serve as the primary hub for all 27 U.S. national soccer teams. It is designed to meet world-class standards and will boast facilities that include 14 grass pitches, two turf pitches, and one indoor turf pitch, totaling 17 pitches altogether. This multi-pitch facility is anticipated to play a crucial role in the training and development of future soccer talent across the nation.
Significantly, Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, has pledged $50 million towards the construction of the training facility. This investment underscores the commitment to enhancing the sport’s infrastructure in the United States.
The U.S. Soccer Federation has expressed its goal of fostering soccer development at all levels, creating approximately 400 new jobs in the Fayette County region. Local officials anticipate that the facility will not only boost the local economy but also make soccer more accessible to the community. Efforts are underway to improve transit connections between the facility and Atlanta to enhance accessibility for players and fans alike.
The training center, located on a sprawling 200-acre site, is envisioned as a “cathedral for the sport” within the U.S., emphasizing its importance in the growth of soccer. The facility is expected to play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of soccer champions by providing state-of-the-art resources and training environments.
The decision to construct this facility comes as part of a broader strategy by U.S. Soccer to elevate the profile of soccer in the United States. With Atlanta set to play host to eight matches during the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the training center is positioned to serve as a critical asset in the lead-up to the tournament. This new hub for soccer training aims to leave a lasting legacy on the sport in the country, fostering greater interest and participation at all levels.
As construction progresses, local authorities and soccer officials remain optimistic about the facility’s potential impact, both on the local community and on American soccer as a whole. The opening of the National Soccer Training facility is anticipated to mark a new chapter in the growth of soccer in the U.S., contributing significantly to the enthusiasm and momentum surrounding the sport leading up to the World Cup.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Atlanta News First
- Saporta Report
- Discover Atlanta
- Matador Network
- Wikipedia: Soccer in the United States
- Google Search: 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Google Scholar: soccer training facilities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
- Google News: soccer development in USA
