Home » About » Community Programs

 

Left: Midtown HS intern Vivienne brainstorming a marketing campaign. Right: Putting the plan into action on the BeltLine.

 

 

SOPFC is More Than a League

 

Our club was founded by passionate soccer players with a deep understanding of soccer as an institution of culture and community.

 

It's in the shared moments on the pitch between teammates and opponents where a simple game transcends into culture—and with proper leadership, it can have a profound impact on the entire community, especially its youngest members.

 

SOPFC is proud to allot a portion of all adult league team dues directly toward supporting the athletic programs of the high schools where we play, after school soccer programs for associated local middle and elementary school youth, and our Young Entrepreneurs Program for all students. Every year, with the help of our non-profit partners, we also organize special events for these students and their coaches/teachers, like our field trip to see Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

 

We believe that today's youth are tomorrow's Captains, Coaches, and community leaders, and we strive to empower them through soccer!

 

 

 

 

Young Entrepreneurs Program

 

We provide guidance, space, and basic equipment to "set up shop" and pitch to customers (our players and their friends and family) at the high school fields where we play.

 

Our goal is to offer young entrepreneurs a safe and welcoming space to:

 

• Connect - With real customers, in order to both sell and gather feedback.
   
• Hustle - To foster a growth mindset and develop confidence.
   
• Learn - From SOPFC leadership and volunteers with formal business training.

 

Learn more about the program.

 

 

High School Student Programs

 

Through our partnership with Atlanta Public Schools we currently offer community programs to high school students at:

 

• Carver High School (BeltLine South)
• Maynard Jackson High School (BeltLine East)
• Booker T. Washington High School (BeltLine West)

 

Programs include:

 

• Employment opportunities
• Free year-round pickup and league play
• Mentorship through adult community coaches
• Career Day support and motivation

 

 

Elementary and Middle School Student Programs

 

Our after school programs are currently paused due to public health considerations. Previously we have operated programs at these schools:

 

• Thomasville Heights Elementary School (Thomasville Heights)
• Drew Charter School Early Learning Academy (East Lake)
• King Middle School (Grant Park)

 

After school programs offer:

 

• Structured drills and soccer activities
• Free play soccer games
• Opportunity to stay physically active
• Social interaction and adult role models

 

 

SOPFC Community Stories

 

How SOPFC Started from Good Conversation and the World Cup

 

ATL UTD Fans Help Shape the Future of Soccer at Atlanta Public Schools

 

My Soccer Pilgrimage Back to Ecuador

 

Mango Boys: A Story of Three Generations of Hustling

 

 

Student Success Highlight

 

In the first episode of their docu-series featuring young people and fearless communities shaping the modern game on and off the pitch, New Balance features Ahkil Russ, an SOPFC student ambassador, graduate of Maynard Jackson High School, and top goal scorer in Georgia. Watch Ahkil's story and how soccer helped shape his life.