Soccer field at Five Points MARTA station unveiled
The new soccer field at Five Points Station – the world’s first soccer field inside a major urban transit station – was unveiled last week.
Dubbed “Station Soccer,” the project is focused on helping to develop grassroots soccer and provide life skills programs to Atlanta’s underserved urban communities, according to a news release.
The field was built as a collaboration between Soccer in the Streets, Atlanta United and MARTA.
“This is more than a just a field, it’s a safe place for kids in the surrounding communities to play, grow and learn to love the game of soccer,” said Soccer in the Streets Executive Director Phil Hill in the news release. “We see it as a way to make a positive social impact at the grassroots level.”
A grant from the Atlanta United Foundation enabled Soccer in the Streets to bring the field to the MARTA system. The 9,600-square foot mini-pitch, located at MARTA’s Five Points Station Amphitheater, is the first soccer field in the world to be built inside the perimeter of a major urban transit station. The pitch will be used for training sessions, 5v5 league matches, fundraisers and other special events.
As part of its new push for expanding free youth programs, Soccer in the Streets will also have adult leagues at Soccer Station. Every dollar spent by adult teams at Station Soccer will help fund youth programs.
Soccer in the Streets will administer the program at the field, placing emphasis on youth development and community outreach through soccer. Programming will include establishing mentoring sessions, promoting employability among young people and developing grassroots soccer programs.
“Through impactful programming, equipment donation and the installation of pitches like the one at MARTA Five Points Station, we are providing access to the game and encouraging a new generation of soccer fans in Atlanta,” said Atlanta United President Darren Eales in the news release. “By making soccer accessible and inclusive, we will not only strengthen our sport, but will strengthen and unify our communities.”
