DeKalb County Awards $50,000 Grant to Expand Free Youth Soccer Programming Across the County

Partnership with Soccer in the Streets to Serve More Than 250 Youth and Families During FIFA World Cup Summer

Decatur, GA – Today, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, joined the Board of Commissioners, community leaders and partners announced a $50,000 grant to Soccer in the Streets that will expand access to free youth soccer programming and summer recreation opportunities across DeKalb County.

The grant, awarded through the DeKalb United Sports Commission, will support a new initiative designed to increase youth participation in organized sports, create safe and structured summer activities, and empower young people through leadership development. The program is expected to serve at least 250 youth and family participants at three DeKalb locations: StationSoccer Kensington, StationSoccer East Lake and Honeysuckle Park in Doraville.

“Sports have the power to unite communities, build confidence and create opportunities for our youth,” said DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “As we celebrate the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this investment ensures that more young people in DeKalb County have access to the benefits of soccer, mentorship and healthy recreation close to home.”

The initiative includes four program components:

  • Goal Getters at StationSoccer Kensington

  • Girls with Goals at StationSoccer East Lake

  • LCF Camp at Honeysuckle Park

  • Wednesday Night Lights, a community-based soccer and engagement program

Through a partnership between the DeKalb United Sports Commission and Soccer in the Streets, the programs will provide free soccer camps, clinics and community engagement opportunities throughout the summer. The initiative is intended to remove barriers to participation and create pathways for youth to experience the positive impact of the world’s most popular sport.

“As the Super District 6 Commissioner I am excited to support this World Cup DeKalb County and Soccer In the Streets Youth Program partnership,” said Commissioner Ted Terry. “The impact is significant, because not only does it align with this historical global sporting event, it highlights how soccer is a unifying activity that brings families, friends, and communities together and strengthens our economy, promotes cultural exchange, and serves as a shared ‘language’ across age groups and backgrounds.” 

DeKalb County has been a longtime supporter of Soccer in the Streets and the StationSoccer initiative, helping advance both the Kensington and East Lake projects while supporting broader community programming throughout the county.

"It was a pleasure to attend today's press conference led by CEO Cochran Johnson,” said Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson, District 4. “DeKalb County's longstanding partnership with Soccer in the Streets, along with District 4's financial investments over the years, reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities for youth, strengthening communities, and creating lasting impact through sports. As we prepare for the FIFA World Cup, I am proud to support initiatives that bring people together, promote healthy lifestyles, and create meaningful opportunities for DeKalb County residents."

Speakers at today’s announcement included DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson; Commissioner Ted Terry, Super District 6; Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson, District 4; Siri Emereje of Discover DeKalb on behalf of the DeKalb United Sports Commission; and Kaseem Ladipo, executive director of Soccer in the Streets.


ATLANTA’S YOUTH GET MAJOR BOOST FROM SOCCER IN THE STREETS AND AMAZON PARTNERSHIP
Amazon donates $260,000 to nonprofits focused on STEM, health, wellness and physical fitness initiatives for youth

ATLANTA (June 3, 2026) – Amazon today announced a $200,000 donation for Soccer in the Streets and Mayor Andre Dicken’s Youth Scholarship Program at a summer clinic for 100 kids held at the StationSoccer East Lake fields. Mayor Dickens and other business and civic leaders attended and supported the community clinic to celebrate local area youth.

Both organizations received $100,000 each, while an additional six non-profits focused on STEM education for youth received $10,000 each, bringing the total of donations announced by Amazon to $260,000.

“This is a great day for Atlanta’s children,” said Mayor Dickens. “My administration has been focused on making Atlanta the best place in the nation to raise a child. Thanks to the work of organizations like Soccer in the Streets and corporate partners like Amazon, we can work together to enrich the lives of children through engaging educational and physical activities.”

In addition, the company also donated a total of $60,000 to the following Atlanta-based organizations in support of youth programming this summer: 


"Amazon believes that with success and scale comes broad responsibility. We have thousands of employees who call Atlanta home, and it's important that we show up as a good neighbor in the communities where our employees live and work," said Amazon Vice President of Public Policy and Community Engagement, Brian Huseman. "Soccer in the Streets and Mayor Dickens' Youth Scholarship Program are doing important work to give kids across metro Atlanta access to STEM education, mentorship, and physical activity. We're proud to support them."

The donations were announced at a fun-filled clinic today that featured 100 kids from Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and Awesome Team. The kids were led through soccer fundamentals by coaches from Soccer in the Streets, and participated in STEM activities with several partners, including Science ATL, the Steam Truck, and Amazon’s Think Big Van.

Also in attendance were Union City Mayor Vince Williams and Clarkston Mayor Beverly H. Burks, Soccer in the Streets Executive Director Kaseem Ladipo and representatives from several local nonprofits.

“Partnerships with community-minded corporations like Amazon are vital to our success,” Ladipo said. “Their support is critical to our efforts to continue opening access to soccer for children all over metro Atlanta and sharing the joy and passion of the beautiful game – while at the same time providing mentorship and character development opportunities for kids.”

About Soccer in the Streets‍ ‍
Soccer in the Streets is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 that works to improve the lives of children by providing access to high-quality, community-based soccer programs and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programming. Since its founding, Soccer in the Streets has served tens of thousands of children through its innovative approach, which includes providing SEL, soccer skills training, job opportunities through our youth referee program, and youth coaching, as well as building soccer fields at MARTA transit stations through its StationSoccer™ initiative, making the sport accessible to communities that need it most while fostering a more connected Atlanta through the power of play. For more information, please visit soccerstreets.org.‍ ‍

About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

SOCCER IN THE STREETS MOVES TO EXPAND AND ENRICH ADULT LEAGUE PLAY

Newly launched “Allside” brand to enhance energy, inclusivity and community of adult leagues

ATLANTA (May 28, 2026) – Soccer in the Streets announced the launch of its Allside brand today, a new initiative to grow its adult soccer program in support of its mission to build healthy, confident children and vibrant, connected communities.

“The Allside brand captures the energy, inclusivity and community spirit that drives everything we do,” said Kaseem Ladipo, executive director, Soccer in the Streets. “It also marks an important step for our organization, positioning us to grow the league and expand access and opportunities across all our programs.” 

Soccer in the Streets Adult programs are an extension of its mission to provide access to the game in all communities. Revenue generated directly funds the free youth programs and provides a community of players, supporters and volunteers for the organization.

The adult programs, which take place at six StationSoccer locations at MARTA transit hubs throughout Atlanta, include more than 6,000 members, 10 leagues and hundreds of teams. Leagues range from women’s and non-binary to co-ed, as well as pickup games for players of all skill levels, including a free amputee pickup hosted by Atlanta Amputee Soccer. More information can be found at https://www.allside.org.

The name Allside evokes the inviting and inclusive nature of the adult programs, emphasizing a welcoming atmosphere for all sides of metro Atlanta. It is a positive twist on the term “offside” in soccer.

In addition to the new Allside brand, Soccer in the Streets launched an accompanying app, in partnership with OpenSports, which allows players to find and schedule games, pay dues, track standings and stay connected as a team. The Allside app can be found in the App Store and Google Play.

About Soccer in the Streets‍ ‍
Soccer in the Streets is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 that works to improve the lives of children by providing access to high-quality, community-based soccer programs and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programming. Since its founding, Soccer in the Streets has served tens of thousands of children through its innovative approach, which includes providing SEL, soccer skills training, job opportunities through our youth referee program, and youth coaching, as well as building soccer fields at MARTA transit stations through its StationSoccer™ initiative, making the sport accessible to communities that need it most while fostering a more connected Atlanta through the power of play. For more information, please visit soccerstreets.org.‍

SOCCER IN THE STREETS AND NORFOLK SOUTHERN TEAM UP TO BUILD BETTER COMMUNITIES ON AND OFF THE PITCH
Partnership will support youth programming, elevate community impact stories and spotlight StationSoccer across Atlanta

‍ATLANTA (April 28, 2026) – Soccer in the Streets® and Norfolk Southern are continuing a dynamic partnership aimed at boosting community development and youth empowerment in Atlanta through sport.

Soccer in the Streets provides kids under 14 free access to soccer programs focusing heavily on character development, as well as facilitation of adult leagues. In addition to its recent $50,000 Thriving Communities grant supporting Soccer in the Streets’ work across Atlanta, Norfolk Southern is sponsoring three upcoming tournaments. The first is Soccer in the Streets’ award-winning StationSoccer™ youth tournament at MARTA’s Lindbergh station on Saturday, May 2.

StationSoccer is a city-wide community network of mini soccer fields and more, anchored by MARTA transit stations in Atlanta. Affordability and transportation hurdles mean many kids in the metro Atlanta area do not have access to safe places to play soccer nor the resources required to travel. 

Soccer in the Streets and its partners – which now include Norfolk Southern – are closing those gaps by building and programming fields in and around MARTA transit stations.

“As Atlanta prepares for the excitement of hosting World Cup games, this is a powerful moment to highlight soccer’s ability to bring people together as a community and make a positive impact, especially on our children,” said Soccer in the Streets Executive Director Kaseem Ladipo. “Norfolk Southern, a brand built on connection, mobility and infrastructure, is a natural fit to join our work to improve the lives of our children and adults, and develop healthy, thriving communities.”

“While soccer is capturing the world’s attention, we believe the biggest impact happens at the community level,” said Betsy Talton-Buck, Chief Communications Officer of Norfolk Southern. “Through our partnership, we’re helping translate the excitement of the game into lasting impact on expanding access, strengthening community connections and creating opportunity for young people. Building meaningful partnerships locally is core to who we are — because big moves start here.”

The partnership also includes sponsorship of support for a youth tournament at Kensington station May 9 and Soccer in the Streets’ Culture Cup on June 27. The Culture Cup is an adult competition celebrating community, connection and the unifying power of the game. Beyond the matches, the tournament will feature music, food, and networking opportunities, making it a social highlight for participants and supporters.

A “Tracks for Success” promotional plan will shine a light on stories that make Soccer in the Streets’ programming unique throughout Atlanta and the world. It will include a new “Big Moves Start Here” logo commemorating the collaboration, visible at key locations throughout the city.

About Soccer in the Streets‍ ‍

Soccer in the Streets is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 that works to improve the lives of children by providing access to high-quality, community-based soccer programs and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programming. Since its founding, Soccer in the Streets has served tens of thousands of children through its innovative approach, which includes providing SEL, soccer skills training, job opportunities through our youth referee program, and youth coaching, as well as building soccer fields at MARTA transit stations through its StationSoccer™ initiative, making the sport accessible to communities that need it most while fostering a more connected Atlanta through the power of play. For more information, please visit soccerstreets.org.‍ ‍

About Norfolk Southern‍ ‍

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and Norfolk Southern originates more automotive traffic than any other Class I Railroad. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S. It serves a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as major ports across the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting  NorfolkSouthern.com.  

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Soccer in the Streets Media Inquiries: catalina@soccerstreets.org‍ ‍Norfolk Southern Media Inquiries: Media.relations@nscorp.com‍ ‍

Featured during broadcasts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, take a look inside the work of Soccer in the Streets and our StationSoccer program. We deeply appreciate the commitment of our partners Fox Sports and Common Goal.