The City of Atlanta has partnered with Visa, Bank of America, and Street Soccer USA to bring a Visa Street Soccer Park to the city, aiming to expand youth recreation and community programming while creating a lasting legacy from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mayor Andre Dickens joined representatives from the organizations and local youth on July 15 at Ralph David Abernathy Plaza to announce the initiative, which will transform an underused space into a neighborhood soccer park offering sports, education and community programming.
The project is part of a nationwide collaboration between the financial institutions and Street Soccer USA to develop community-centered soccer parks that provide safe, accessible spaces for recreation and youth development. Programming will be tailored to local needs and may include recreational soccer, skills clinics, academic enrichment, open play, and family activities.
“The FIFA World Cup has brought the world to us,” Dickens said during the announcement. “But thanks to Street Soccer USA, Visa, and Bank of America, the World Cup’s legacy will live on right here.”
The event included soccer activities and skills clinics to showcase the types of programs planned for the future park, while bringing together public, private and nonprofit partners focused on expanding opportunities for Atlanta youth.
Visa Regional President for North America Kim Lawrence said the project is intended to use soccer as a catalyst for community development rather than simply creating another athletic facility.
Bank of America Atlanta President Al McRae said investments in neighborhood soccer parks can provide safe places for young people to stay active while strengthening surrounding communities.
Street Soccer USA will lead programming for the park in partnership with the city and local organizations. The nonprofit uses soccer to promote personal development, social connection and life skills, particularly for underserved communities.
Street Soccer USA co-founder and President Lawrence Cann said the goal is to create a community-owned space that will continue serving Atlanta families long after the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended.
