September 18 – The U.S. Soccer Federation is relocating from Chicago to Atlanta, where it plans to build a training centre and headquarters.
The USSF has been administered from Chicago since 1991, having previously been in Colorado Springs. Training camps for its 27 national teams rotate through various venues across the US.
In August the USSF sold its building in Chicago for $3.9 million and last Friday the board announced Atlanta would be the new location with a final decision on the exact location to be taken in January 2024.
The decision to move to Atlanta was massaged through with a $50 million contribution from Atlanta United and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank.
“This national training centre 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 said in a press release announcing the move.
“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.”
According to the USSF, Blank’s donation will not cover the whole cost of relocation to the new location, but that the centre will be “funded in part” by the money.
“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,” said Blank.
“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.”
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