The Atlanta United Community Fund (AUCF) announced on March 11 the latest recipients of its GA 100 initiative, a program aimed at building up to 100 mini-pitches in under-resourced communities across Georgia. This year, AUCF has awarded $1.15 million in grants to create or refurbish 12 fields, bringing the total number of completed or in-development mini-pitches to 53.
The GA 100 program is significant as it seeks to expand access to safe and accessible soccer spaces for youth and communities that may lack such resources. Since its launch in 2020, nearly $4.5 million has been invested into soccer pitches throughout Georgia, making it one of the most ambitious community pitch-building efforts within Major League Soccer.
Skate Noftsinger, Chief Business Officer of Atlanta United, said, “As Atlanta prepares to take the global stage in 2026, it’s more important than ever that the growth of soccer is felt not just in our stadium, but in neighborhoods across Georgia. Through the GA 100 program, the Atlanta United Community Fund is ensuring that the excitement of a historic year for the sport translates into lasting community impact by creating safe, accessible places to play. This year’s grant recipients bring us another step closer to our goal of building up to 100 mini-pitches statewide and leaving a legacy that extends well beyond the matches we’ll host at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.”
The $1.15 million will support organizations including A.W. Mathews Boys and Girls Club (Mableton), Atrium Health locations (Cedartown, Rome, Summerville), Bay Creek Middle School (Grayson), Berkmar Middle School (Lilburn), Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta (Statenville), Dacula Middle School (Dacula), Duluth Middle School (Duluth), Henderson Mill Elementary School (Atlanta), John Hope Community Center (Atlanta), and New City Church: UPPER90 (Lawrenceville). Three additional pitches are scheduled to open before the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Beverly Smith, Vice President of Sports & Youth Development at LISC—the national partner helping implement these projects—said, “Communities are not complete without access to safe, welcoming athletic spaces, where young people and adults can gather to play, talk and connect with each other. The GA 100 initiative continues to be a major supporter with an impactful role by investing in those spaces in neighborhoods that need them, not only providing youth with room to grow, belong, and succeed but also showing what’s possible when investment matches community needs.”
AUCF operates as an associate-led fund under the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and works closely with LISC for project selection and implementation. Atlanta United FC participates as a Major League Soccer team based in Atlanta according to its official website. The club achieved wins in both domestic and international competitions including the MLS Cup in 2018 as reported by its official website.
