The Atlanta United Foundation and Good Sports, a national nonprofit, are joining forces to provide brand new soccer equipment and apparel to youth programs and schools across the state of Georgia through two cycles of donations.

These donations will not only aid in the growth of existing programs, but will also provide the opportunity for youth organizations to offer soccer for the first time by removing the barrier of high equipment costs. The initiative is set for two different cycles, and is projected to benefit over 1,000 of Georgia’s youth by providing the balls, uniforms, shin guards needed to get off the sideline and in the game.

“We are proud to partner with Good Sports to deliver soccer equipment to youth across our state,” said Atlanta United president Darren Eales.  “Removing common obstacles to sport such as high equipment costs is a core iniative of the Atlanta United Foundation.  This program will have meaningful impact and will help to provide broad access to soccer for youth in Georgia.”

The first round of donations is scheduled for the back to school timeframe, August/September, and will focus on middle and high school teams. The second round of donations will center around elementary aged programs and will be sorted, packed, and delivered by Atlanta United employees as part of an employee engagement event in December of 2017.  

“We are thrilled to team up with the Atlanta United Foundation to help kids in Georgia become more physically active,” said Melissa Harper, CEO of Good Sports. “By providing equipment that removes barriers to participation, we can help move more children from sedentary to active lifestyles.”

The application period for the first cycle of the Atlanta United Foundation-Good Sports equipment donations is open through Friday, June 26, 2017. The online application and more information on the process can be found via the Good Sports’ website – goodsports.org/apply/. In addition to being considered for an Atlanta United Foundation-Good Sports donation, approved applicants will be eligible to receive up to six (6) donations through Good Sports regular donation process over the next two years.