U.S. Soccer and Georgia Power announced on Apr. 16 that Georgia Power will become a Supporting Partner of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, which is described as the first-ever home for soccer in America.
The partnership aims to increase access and opportunity in soccer, particularly through facilities designed to serve athletes of all abilities. The National Training Center, located near Trilith just south of Atlanta, covers 200 acres and is intended to foster innovation, elevate performance, and have a long-term impact at every level of the sport.
As part of this collaboration, Georgia Power will also be the entitlement partner for the Georgia Power Court—an indoor playing surface within the facility dedicated to advancing access, opportunity, and inclusion for all athletes. This includes those competing in Power Soccer (for power wheelchair users) and Futsal (the international form of indoor soccer recognized by FIFA). “Just as we invest in our state’s electric system, we take pride in investing in the communities we serve to help power the economic future of Georgia,” said Trey Kilpatrick, senior vice president of External Affairs for Georgia Power. “As Georgia prepares to welcome the world this summer, being a Supporting Partner of the National Training Center reflects our commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities. We’re also excited to help broaden access to this unifying sport and the meaningful experiences it creates for athletes across Georgia through the Georgia Power Court.”
The training center has been designed with inclusivity as a core principle so that it can serve all members of the soccer community—including all nine Extended National Teams—according to information released by U.S. Soccer. The new court features hardwood floors roughly equal in size to a regulation basketball court; it provides dedicated space both for Futsal matches as well as specialized play by power wheelchair users.
“Soccer belongs to everyone, and the National Training Center is being built with accessibility at its core, ensuring more people than ever can experience and participate in the game,” said Dan Gaiman, Senior Vice President, Partnership Development & Strategy at U.S. Soccer. “Together with Georgia Power, we are investing in programs that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and continue to grow the sport in ways that are impactful for generations to come.”
The facility will host its first adaptive soccer event—ADAPTandTHRIVE—from May 20–24 on its newly opened inclusive court.
