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PAGE 6B December 2023
The U.S. Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer) will move its headquarters and construct a first-of-its-kind national training center (NTC) in Fayette County, Georgia. According to a press release from the Georgia Governor's office the move will create 440 new jobs through a $228 million investment. “After announcing in September that U.S. Soccer was coming to Georgia, it’s exciting to officially welcome them to their new home in Fayette County,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “U.S. Soccer joins a long and proud tradition of sports in the Peach State, including our fast-growing soccer fanbase. This project will solidify Georgia's position at the forefront of this increasingly popular sport, from the success of our own Atlanta United team to the FIFA World Cup 2026 events in a few short years.” Earlier this year, U.S. Soccer first announced it had narrowed down its location search for the new training center and headquarters to metro Atlanta. The facility will serve as the national center for the training and competition of all 27 of U.S. Soccer’s Men's, Women’s, Youth, and Extended National Teams; the development of youth players; coaching and referee training; and will help drive the overall growth of soccer’s popularity in the United States. “We’re proud to be building a home that will support the future of soccer in America,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “The NTC will help player development at the highest level and serve as a central destination to support and inspire players across the country as well as a hub of knowledge and resources for all our member organizations. Beyond its national importance, the NTC will be an institution firmly rooted in its community. U.S. Soccer will work with local officials and corporate partners on the ground to engage the vibrant communities in Fayette County and the metro-Atlanta area to build new career pathways, connect with fans, and grow the soccer community.” U.S. Soccer anticipates breaking ground at the site in the spring of 2024. Visit www.ussoccer.com/jobs to learn more about open positions with U.S. Soccer. “We look forward to welcoming the U.S. Soccer Federation to their new hometown in Fayette County, Georgia, where the staff and players will find a warm and vibrant community within which to build the future of soccer," said Darryl A. Hicks, Board Chairman of the Fayette County Development Authority. “We are so grateful to the local and state teams for their hard work in locating this project, and we look forward to the story that the U.S. Soccer Federation and the National Training Center will create in Fayette County.” “U.S. Soccer’s decision to locate in metro Atlanta was supported by a team effort of local and state organizations working together – and it was bolstered by keen interest and generous support from our business community, including extraordinary leaders like Arthur Blank,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “Our country’s enthusiasm for the sport of soccer keeps growing as the momentum builds around the FIFA World Cup 2026, and we are pleased to officially welcome U.S. Soccer to their new home in Fayette County.” Senior Project Manager John Soper represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with Fayette County Development Authority, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, University System of Georgia, and Georgia Power. “Landing U.S. Soccer has been a signature ‘team Georgia’ effort, made possible through support from state leaders and Atlanta’s business community to attract international, generational opportunities such as this,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Additionally, Georgia’s connectivity makes it easy for teams and fans from around the world to travel here and experience the diverse communities and landscapes that make Georgia a top U.S. travel destination. We look forward to the numerous benefits an investment like this will bring to our state. 43,000 Fans Attend Super 7 U.S. Soccer To Build National Training Center
The 2023 AHSAA Super 7 State Football Championships totaled 43,014 for the seven boys’ football championship contests, and two girls’ flag football finals, played at Bryant-Denny Stadium on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa. “We want to thank the University of Alabama and the City of Tuscaloosa and Northport for what they do to make the Super 7 experience so special for our schools and our communities,” said Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Executive Director Alvin Briggs. “The Super 7 has become such an important event in the lives of our student athletes thanks to our opportunity to play in such special venues like Tuscaloosa, Auburn, and Birmingham. This year was
a very special and lifetime memory for our student athletes, coaches, schools, and communities.” Total attendance was 43,014 with Friday’s attendance topping the week with 17,911 for the 2A, 4A and 6A championship games. Wednesday’s total, which included, for the first time, two girls’ flag Football finals and the Class 7A championship game, drew 11,891. Thursday’s total was 13,212 for classes 1A, 3A and 5A. Briggs also praised the work of Knight Eady and the many volunteers who helped with the event. “Our state championships are the best in the nation,” added Briggs. “All of our participates displayed tremendous sportsmanship, and each of the games were outstanding. We are grateful and blessed.”
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