ATL Standard

The Atlanta United Community Fund (AUCF) has allocated $345,000 to the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Department of Athletics. This grant is intended to support 23 soccer programs across 12 middle schools and 11 high schools within APS. The funding, noted as the largest single contribution in APS Athletics history, will provide each school with up to $15,000 for necessities such as soccer equipment, uniforms, coaching development, transportation, and EMS services for matches.

The objective of this financial support is to enhance access by improving the quality and sustainability of soccer programs throughout APS. It aims to ensure that both female and male student-athletes have the necessary resources to succeed on and off the field. Annually, APS soccer programming engages between 800-1000 student-athletes, which accounts for 12-15% of all APS sports participants. With this grant, APS anticipates an increase in soccer participation and a more engaged student body.

"This soccer grant from the Atlanta United Community Fund is a game-changer for Atlanta Public Schools' Department of Athletics High school and Middle school soccer programs,” stated Corrie V. Collier, Director of Athletics at Atlanta Public Schools. “This generous investment will provide our student-athletes and coaches with enhanced resources and greater opportunities to develop their skills, fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the field."

Skate Noftsinger, Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer for Atlanta United added: “Soccer has the power to shape lives, and every young athlete deserves the chance to compete with the right resources. By investing in APS athletics, we’re giving students the opportunity to develop on and off the field with the proper support and infrastructure while we’re also investing in the future of these students, their schools and the broader Atlanta soccer community. This grant perfectly reflects the mission of the Atlanta United Community Fund and our club’s commitment to making a lasting impact in our community.”

In celebration of this grant, students from all 23 APS soccer programs are invited to attend Atlanta United’s 2025 MLS Season Opening match against CF Montreal this Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.