Atlanta United today announced its ‘United We Conquer’ initiative, which will serve as a platform for the club to give back to the community, acknowledge and support those on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis and offer resources for fans and community members who would like to learn about safe volunteering opportunities.
Included in the initiative, the Atlanta United Foundation will grant long-time partner Soccer in the Streets $85,000 to assist with the non-profit’s operational and coaching expenses during this time. Soccer in the Streets provides free youth soccer programming across metro-Atlanta helping to grow the game of soccer; and allows broader access to the sport through the award-winning StationSoccer program.
In addition, the club is launching the Atlanta United community resources page, found at atlutd.com/communitypartners. The page will house information on how the club and its partners are collaborating with organizations throughout the Atlanta area to offer a variety of resources such as access to food, childcare, financial relief, local rideshare, fitness opportunities and restaurants offering take-out or delivery. The resources page also outlines virtual along with safe and compliant in-person volunteering opportunities, including food packing and delivery, blood drives and cash donations.
“A core value of our club is giving back to others, whether it’s through grant giving to a valued partner like Soccer in the Streets, or providing a central place where our community can go to learn about contributing during these challenging times,” said Atlanta United President Darren Eales. “There are many ways to give back either virtually or through safe volunteering opportunities. We hope the community resources page will help to encourage our fans to engage and support in a way that works best for them.”
In addition, to say thank you and support those on the frontlines, Atlanta United will be placing billboard tributes in the metro-Atlanta area dedicated to the women and men working in essential industries supporting our community.
‘United We Conquer’ follows the launch of ‘MLS Unites,’ Major League Soccer’s league-wide platform that highlights all of the efforts that MLS players, coaches, clubs and the league are doing to address the important messages and programs taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also, announced on March 20, Atlanta United owner, Arthur Blank, and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation committed nearly $5.4 million in funding for immediate and long-term recovery assistance to organizations providing critical support throughout Georgia and Montana. The Foundation will grant $5 million to The Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund established by United Way of Greater Atlanta and Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.
