ATLANTA (Feb. 6, 2025) – Atlanta United’s commitment to growing the game of soccer across Georgia just got even bigger.
The Atlanta United Community Fund (AUCF) announced today it has awarded $865,000 in grants to build or refurbish 10 additional mini-pitches as part of the GA 100 initiative. This latest round of funding brings the total number of completed or in-progress mini-pitches to 40, spanning 30 different nonprofit organizations throughout the state.
GA 100, a pitch-build program launched in 2020, aims to construct up to 100 mini-pitches in under-resourced communities across Georgia. The initiative is led by AUCF, an associate-led fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).
“These 10 new mini-pitches mark an exciting milestone in the momentum of GA 100,” said Skate Noftsinger, Atlanta United’s Senior VP & Chief Business Officer. “With 40 pitches now completed or in development, this program is reaching communities in every corner of Georgia and making an investment in the future by giving kids and families across the state a place to enjoy soccer and build lasting connections.”
Expanding the Game: New Mini-Pitch Locations
The $865,000 in grants will go toward building 10 new mini-pitches at the following locations:
🏟 Stephens County School District – Toccoa, GA (Grass Field at Stephens County High School)
🏟 Southern Crescent Soccer Foundation – McDonough, GA (Turf Field at Alexander Park)
🏟 Irwin County Recreation Department – Ocilla, GA (Grass Field at Irwin County High School)
🏟 Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier – Mount Airy, GA (Turf Field at Tim Lee Club)
🏟 Clarkston Community Center Foundation – Clarkston, GA (Grass Field at Milam Park)
🏟 Atrium Health Floyd & Town of Trion – Trion, GA (Turf Field at Trion Recreation Dept.)
🏟 Atrium Health Floyd & YMCA of Rome Floyd County – Rome, GA (Turf Field at YMCA of Rome)
🏟 Atrium Health Floyd & City of Rockmart – Rockmart, GA (Turf Field at Hogue Avenue Park)
🏟 Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta – Norcross, GA (Turf Field at A. Worley Brown Club)
🏟 YMCA of Metro Atlanta – Decatur, GA (Grass Field at South Dekalb Family YMCA)
These fields will serve as community hubs, offering children and families a safe and accessible place to play soccer.
How to Apply for the Next Round of Funding
AUCF will begin accepting proposals for the next phase of GA 100 on Feb. 15. Eligible organizations can apply for a matching grant of up to $100,000 per mini-pitch. Organizations that have demonstrated the ability to raise additional funds will be prioritized for the next round.
Interested organizations can visit atlutd.com/ga100 for more details and application information.
“No community is complete without public spaces where young people and adults can gather to play, talk and get to know each other,” said Beverly Smith, LISC’s VP of Sports & Recreation. “The GA 100 initiative has a major role in creating those spaces in neighborhoods that need them.”
A Growing Legacy
Since its launch in 2020, GA 100 has received over $5 million in funding from AUCF and LISC. The initiative started with $1.6 million, leading to the construction of 20 pitches. In 2023, AUCF increased its commitment with an additional $3.36 million, allowing for up to 50 more fields to be built.
So far, GA 100 has reached cities all across Georgia, including:
📍 Augusta
📍 Brunswick
📍 Cedartown
📍 Gainesville
📍 Hogansville
📍 Rome
📍 Savannah
The project is a collaborative effort, with LISC identifying and supporting local organizations to oversee construction, maintenance, and programming for each field.
With 40 pitches already completed or in development, Atlanta United is making soccer more accessible than ever before.
🚀 The GA 100 train isn’t slowing down. The future of soccer in Georgia is brighter than ever. 🔴⚫ #UniteAndConquer
