CHAPTER 3 // Sounds from Soccer in the Streets

Project Lead: Floyd Hall, Journalist & Cultural Producer

Soccer in the Streets has managed to grow fandom—and community—at the most elemental level by leveraging public transit.

Soccer in the Streets brings together youth and adults across Atlanta in the spirit of providing access to soccer competition and instruction. While the FIFA World Cup unites fans to cheer on competition at the highest level from nations all over the globe, Soccer in the Streets has been a similar anchor for the sport at the grassroots level since it was founded in 1989—and this year marks the 10-year anniversary of its pilot StationSoccer program in partnership with MARTA.

Since the pilot at Five Points MARTA Station, StationSoccer has grown to feature teams from the East Point, East Lake, Kensington, Lindbergh, West End stations, respectively, that compete in sport and grow community by leveraging public transit as its connective infrastructure. StationSoccer attempts to provide an accessible pathway that grows the global game in neighborhoods across the city, along with the camaraderie that accompanies generations of passionate fans.

A little over a month before the FIFA World Cup matches take place in Atlanta, StationSoccer held their very own 8 & Under “World Cup” at Kensington Station. For anyone questioning whether Atlanta can truly be a soccer city, taking in a SoccerStation experience quickly puts those doubts aside. Click below to hear for yourself!

In addition to the notable programming for youth, Soccer in the Streets also hosts programming for adults looking to stay connected with the game. Click here for those details and more.