December 7, 2023
ATLANTA (December 7, 2023) – U.S. Soccer announced today that the site of the new National Training Center will be located in Fayette County, Georgia, as part of another step in the Federation’s ambitious strategic plan to grow soccer across the country.
The location of the National Training Center, which will directly impact each of U.S. Soccer’s five strategic pillars, was made following a robust and competitive process after looking at nine different locations within the wider Metro Atlanta area.
The exact location of the National Training Center will be in Trilith in Fayette County and cover more than 200 acres of land. The location became the clear choice by meeting key criteria that included accessibility and proximity to Atlanta’s major international airport as well as downtown, optimal climate for year-round programming, the ability to drive economic impact locally, and the opportunity to be part of a diverse, growing community.
“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 National Training Center 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 National Training Center 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 to sport, connect with fans, and grow the soccer community.”
The Coca-Cola Company, a Founding Partner of the National Training Center, played an important role in U.S. Soccer’s decision to bring the National Training Center to the company’s corporate hometown.
“Metro Atlanta is a vibrant and culturally diverse community that Coca-Cola has proudly called home for over a century,” said Bea Perez, SVP and Chief Communications, Sustainability, and Strategic Partnerships Officer, The Coca-Cola Company and Chair, Coca-Cola Foundation. “Our investment in the National Training Center exemplifies our company’s commitment to building a legacy for future generations and growing the sport.”
In July, Coca-Cola and U.S. Soccer entered a transformative, long-term partnership agreement that supports the growth of the game at every level of the U.S. soccer ecosystem.
Together, Coca-Cola and U.S. Soccer are committed to building legacy events that shine a light on domestic talent and increase opportunities for all U.S. Youth National Teams and Extended National Teams, growing the sport and increasing participation in soccer in all its forms.
The National Training Center’s location provides proximity to the Town at Trilith, a master-planned residential and mixed-use community with a school, restaurants, retail and office space. The Town at Trilith is adjacent to Trilith Studios, a major film and television production studio in Fayette County, which has brought the world’s attention to this south-metro Atlanta community and sparked tremendous investment in the local area. Trilith Studios is home to blockbuster films like “Avengers: Endgame” and “WandaVision.” Established in 2014, Trilith Studios is one of the largest production facilities in Georgia and one of the largest purpose-built studios in North America.
The location is also in close proximity to the world’s most-traveled airport with daily flights to more than 150 domestic and 70 international destinations. Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is located within a two-hour flight of 80% of the U.S. population, making it an appealing and easy to access location for players, referees, coaches, U.S. Soccer members and the entire soccer community across the country.
The facility will serve as headquarters for the U.S. Soccer Federation, creating a central hub for the entire soccer community, including coaches and referees, to access best-in-class training, technology and infrastructure to promote successful and sustainable playing environments throughout the country. For players, the National Training Center will provide the best environment, guaranteeing uninterrupted access to elite infrastructure for training, development, recovery and performance analysis – cultivating expertise and excellence in the sport on an international level.
The commitment to build a National Training Center was made possible by a $50 million contribution from iconic businessman and philanthropist Arthur M. Blank, The Home Depot co-founder and Atlanta United owner. Mr. Blank has a longstanding history of giving back to and uplifting local communities – since 1995, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has granted more than $1 billion to various grantees.
Initial design plans for the National Training Center include projections for over a dozen soccer fields and over 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor courts for all 27 of U.S. Soccer National Teams, including Senior Women’s and Men’s, Youth and Extended National Teams. The National Training Center will also include more than 200,000 sq. ft. of high-performance facilities, locker rooms, meeting rooms, and headquarters space for all U.S. Soccer employees.
While the National Training Center will be utilized by all 27 of U.S. Soccer’s National Teams, part of Blank’s contribution will specifically go towards the construction of facilities for U.S. Soccer’s nine Extended National Teams (ENTs), particularly in support of the Cerebral Palsy (CP), Deaf, and Power Soccer National Teams, including thoughtful design of locker rooms and training facilities to maximize accessibility for players.
The facility will include full ADA accessibility for visitors and players not only within the building but also throughout the training ground. In addition, sustainability will be at the forefront of the design process and the project team will pursue LEED certification of the National Training Center by incorporating energy-efficient systems, water reclamation, and protection of surrounding natural habitats.
The National Training Center will create an estimated 400+ new jobs and represents an investment valued at more than $200 million. In alignment with U.S. Soccer's vision to promote diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging and eliminate barriers both on and off the field, the Federation is committed to working with minority or women owned businesses.
“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.”
U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson led the search for the site with counsel from Deloitte, which helped narrow the location to the Atlanta Metro area, while Vice Chairman of AMBSE Steve Cannon was instrumental in helping make connections within Atlanta. U.S. Soccer then worked closely with key partners, stakeholders and officials across the Atlanta community and State of Georgia to gather feedback on possible locations before narrowing in on Trilith in Fayetteville, which is one of the most exciting and growing areas in the Atlanta Metro area.
“With major tournaments coming to our shores, the investments by our professional leagues, and growth of our membership, this is a once-in-a-generation moment for soccer in the United States,” said Batson. “Fayetteville and the broader Atlanta region come not only with a passion for soccer but also with a distinctive vibrancy that make it perfectly suited to connect with and inspire current and future athletes of all backgrounds, increasing participation in the sport and further growing the game at this critical moment. The state-of-the-art facility will allow players, coaches, referees, and our broader membership across all forms of the sport to come together, and work collaboratively to grow the game.”
Leaders from U.S. Soccer, Coca-Cola, Fayette County, AMBSE, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Trilith and Bay Point, and as well as local, state, and national officials will gather for a celebration event on Dec. 13 at the Town Stage at Trilith to underscore the importance of the NTC to the wider Georgia community.
To learn more about the NTC project and how it will transform soccer in the U.S., visit the NTC’s website.
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer has been the official governing body of the sport in the United States for more than 100 years. During that time, the sport has grown tremendously at all levels and in all its forms. As U.S. Soccer looks toward the future amid an unprecedented moment of opportunity, it has aligned its efforts around five strategic pillars: Grow the game by increasing youth and adult participation and accessibility to the sport; Foster best playing environments through quality of referees and coaches, increased DEIB and participant safety; Develop winning teams through solidified pathways and success of professional leagues; Grow the soccer economy to fuel reinvestment by increasing membership, fandom and commercial success; and Create a world-class organization through revitalized structure and culture, best-in-class talent, progress in DEIB, and more. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.
The Coca‑Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca‑Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Fayette County is a special place where rural beauty and traditional roots have been meticulously blended with urban convenience and amenities. Located only 30 minutes from the heart of Downtown Atlanta, its success in fusing together a rich heritage and a flair for cosmopolitan living has earned the Fayette Community a place among the most favored communities in America. A lifestyle supported by well-planned surroundings, a low crime rate, a superior education system and vast recreational opportunities is its hallmark. This coveted quality of life has been accomplished through a long history of strategic and comprehensive planning efforts by public officials, business and community leaders and citizens from throughout Fayette County which has established it as the "Pearl of Metropolitan Atlanta's Southern Crescent Region. Learn more at www.fayettega.org.
Trilith is a master-planned community in Fayette County, Ga., featuring world-leading businesses and one of North America’s largest purpose-built studios, all surrounded by a community of thought leaders, creators and storytellers in the film, sports and entertainment industries. Trilith combines world-class living and amenities with world-class stages, workshops, resources and facilities. Anchoring Trilith is Trilith Studios, a major film and television production studio emphasizing best-in-class facilities, state-of-the-art technology and premium content. Trilith Studios is home to blockbuster films like “Avengers: Endgame” and “WandaVision.” Trilith Studios encompasses nearly 1,000 acres of studios, workshops, offices and backlots. Adjacent to Trilith Studios is the Town at Trilith, a 235-acre residential and mixed-use project designed as a gathering place for creatives, artists and storytellers. In addition to Trilith Studios and the Town at Trilith, Trilith features the Trilith Foundation, whose mission is to enrich the lives of creatives through mental, physical, spiritual and relational support, as well as Trilith Institute, which provides innovative initiatives and educational opportunities to inspire the next generation of storytellers. Trilith is a community that offers every resource great storytellers need to produce anything they can imagine. It’s not just a place where dreamers dream. Trilith is where dreams become realities. Ideas are brought to life. Learn more at trilith.com.
Arthur M. Blank
“As I said at the announcements of our gifts to support the development of a national training center, we could not be more thrilled that America’s very best soccer players will be training here in metro Atlanta. Today’s announcement of the location for the new National Training Center will go down as another historic milestone in the rich sports history of this region and our state and I think the site is going to be terrific for U.S. Soccer and the thousands of players, coaches and staff who will benefit from this investment for decades to come.”
Dan T. Cathy, Founder and Chief Visionary, Trilith
“With Arthur Blank's investment in the sport with Atlanta United, Coca-Cola’s long-standing partnership nationally and internationally, and now the tie to a global entertainment industry here at Trilith, there's a lot of wonderful energy being generated. This is a rare convergence of sports, technology and entertainment, and it's the magic that will make the U.S. Soccer Federation's new National Training Center so special."
Kelley O’Hara, Fayetteville Native and USWNT Defender
“Growing up in Fayetteville, Georgia playing for our Youth National Teams and dreaming of playing for the full team, I never could have imagined that one day U.S. Soccer’s home would be so close to where I made so many childhood memories. My worlds are definitely colliding. It’s such a beautiful area with a great sense of community I can’t wait to welcome everyone from U.S. Soccer to Fayette County once the National Training Center is complete.”
Emily Sonnett, Marietta Native and USWNT Midfielder
“These are exciting times for U.S. Soccer and for the city of Atlanta. During my youth soccer days, my sister and I played all over the Atlanta metro area and to have this training center in Fayette County will be a perfect spot for the future of U.S. Soccer. This is a fantastic area to build in what is already an incredible city for sports and entertainment and the NTC will add a whole new dimension south of Atlanta.”
Darryl Hicks, Board Chairman of the Fayette County Development Authority
“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. 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.”
Pat Wilson, GDEcD Commissioner
“Landing U.S. Soccer here 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. 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.”
Katie Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber
“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. 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.”
Kate Ward, U.S. Women’s Deaf National Team Captain
“As an Atlanta native, I'm so excited to see US Soccer continue to make strides in the development of the National Training Center in our city. The Federation chose this city and metro area for a variety of reasons, and I believe Fayette County is a great place to call home thanks to its proximity to the airport, downtown Atlanta, and its continued growth and development. As an Extended National Team athlete, I look forward to the partnership that will be Fayette County and U.S. Soccer and how this location will allow our national teams to continue to achieve success on the biggest stages.”
Josh Wolff, Georgia Native and Two-Time World Cup Veteran
“As someone who grew up in Georgia and has seen the progression of the sport, I am thrilled that U.S. Soccer has chosen to make the Atlanta area it’s home for the future. The National Training Center has the ability to transform how we develop players, coaches and referees in this country, and Atlanta ticks all the boxes.”
U.S. Men’s CP National Team Defender Drew Bremer
“Having lived and trained in Atlanta the past four years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the passion and commitment to the sport that continues to grow in Atlanta. The National Training Center will help the United States develop into a world class soccer nation, and I’m excited Atlanta will be the heart of that movement.”
Brad Guzan, former USMNT and current Atlanta United Goalkeeper
"Atlanta is a fantastic soccer city. For the overall growth of the sport and the progression of our National Teams, U.S. Soccer has chosen the perfect home in Atlanta."
Charles Andros, President of Bay Point
“It has been a pleasure to work with U.S. Soccer, Fayette County Development Authority, Governor Brian Kemp, Arthur Blank and Dan Cathy to bring the reality of a national training center to Georgia. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Trilith and assist in the expansion of their campus.”
Josh Brunais, U.S. Men’s CP National Team Captain
“I’m incredibly excited for U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center to come to Fayette County in the Metro Atlanta area. The Extended National Teams will finally have a home base to train out of and feel like a true part of the U.S. Soccer family. The proximity to one of the biggest international airports, the unique Atlanta culture, and the daily growth of the metro area make it such an exciting place to call home.”
Stuart Sharp, Senior Director of U.S. Soccer Extended National Teams
“From the ability to play year round, to the city’s status as a major airport hub, Atlanta’s location provides numerous strategic advantages that will give all of our teams more opportunity to succeed. From an Extended National Teams perspective, the metro Atlanta area has a growing soccer community that gives us a great opportunity to continue building awareness of the various forms of soccer that our Federation oversees.”
