U.S. Soccer Federation chooses Atlanta over Cary for headquarters and training center
Posted September 15, 2023 2:51 p.m. EDT
Updated September 15, 2023 3:48 p.m. EDT
The U.S. Soccer Federation announced Friday its new headquarters will be in Atlanta and not the town of Cary.
Cary was considered a finalist for the federation’s headquarters and national training center. U.S. Soccer is currently headquartered in Chicago.
U.S. Soccer is assessing where specifically in the Atlanta area to put the national training center and assessing the feasibility of the project.
For more than a year, Cary leaders and soccer officials had been in discussions about developing a campus and training facility, Cary Town Manager Sean Stegall said in February.
On Friday, the federation announced that philanthropist Arthur Blank – who is the owner of the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL and Atlanta United in MLS – donated $50 million to build a national training center and expand opportunities across the soccer ecosystem.
“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 in a news release. “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.
“I’m also pleased to help U.S. Soccer with community outreach and soccer development among underserved communities as part of our contribution and know that it will benefit scores of young people through engagement with the beautiful game for generations to come.”
All 27 of U.S. Soccer’s National Teams will use the new training center.
“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,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “Investing in youth and adult programs as well as our Extended National Teams reflects our commitment to ensuring that players of all ages and backgrounds can find a home and thrive in this sport.
“These investments are a signal to our players, coaches, referees, members and fans that the future of U.S. Soccer is bright.”
Had the U.S. Soccer Federation chosen Cary, the federation would have used Cary’s WakeMed Soccer Park for some of the facilities.
In early June, WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary hosted The Soccer Tournament. Newtown Pride FC won the initial tournament along with the $1 million prize.
WakeMed Soccer Park is home to the NC Courage of the NWSL and North Carolina FC of the United Soccer Leage.
Cary has ties to the U.S. Soccer Federation. Cone lives in the Triangle area and played at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
