A phenomenal opportunity to contribute to a great cause in the metro-Atlanta soccer community and have fun alongside folks from Atlanta United, 92.9 The Game, Dirty South Soccer, & Scarves and Spikes.
The Southern Crescent Soccer Foundation along with 92.9 The Game and Atlanta Soccer Tonight are partnering to bring an incredible Top Golf fundraiser to raise money for a metro-Atlanta mini-pitch. It’s a great opportunity for anyone to help tangibly grow soccer in the state while also rubbing elbows and having fun with folks from Atlanta United, 92.9, and your favorite sources for Atlanta United and local soccer news. More info below here on Dirty South Soccer, and also via the Scarves and Spikes podcast.
A Community Center Decades in the Making
SCSF
Soccer in the United States is exploding in popularity at a breakneck pace, but the southeast has become an absolute hotbed of activity for the beautiful game. Between Atlanta United breaking myriad records and the recent announcement of U.S. Soccer’s headquarters in Fayette County, the metro-Atlanta area is genuinely and organically earning the title of Soccer City, USA.
But that growth doesn’t just come from the big names throwing their weight around. Grassroots movements to expand soccer and make the game widely available to anyone and everyone are emerging in a surge of popularity as Atlanta rapidly approaches its hosting responsibilities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
One of the ways – if not the best way – to promote and build soccer in the country is through the development of locations where children and adults can come to play, regardless of their socioeconomic status. DSS has covered the GA 100 Initiative by the Atlanta United Community Fund (AUCF) in-depth over the years, but it’s the fund that assists in the development of mini-pitches throughout the state of Georgia – with the ultimate goal of 100 locations to benefit local communities.
SCSF
Part of each mini-pitch build is the responsibility of the community and local foundation to raise money and – if chosen for the grant – the AUCF will match up to $100,000.
The Southern Crescent Soccer Foundation (SCSF) is the most recent to break ground on the newest mini-pitch, located in metro-Atlanta at Alexander Park in McDonough.
So, why McDonough?
A bit of history is in order. Alexander Park, and specifically the actual location of where the pitch will be built, was home to the local community pool that was filled in with concrete decades ago during desegregation of the city. The plot of land was turned into a parking lot and has stayed that way for years, while other parts of the park were slowly converted to baseball/softball fields, a dog park, an auditorium, a beautiful walking trail, and more.
On December 17th, 2023 – the 200th anniversary of the City of McDonough – the ceremonial groundbreaking occurred to convert that former pool, which was a representation of a darker time in history, into something wonderful, inclusive, and symbolic as a local bastion for the sport commonly referred to as “everyone’s game.” It’ll serve as the county’s first truly free and easily-accessible soccer pitch.
Madison Crews/Soccer Down Here
“Georgia Revolution and Southern Crescent Soccer Foundation is here for the community, that’s why we’re here,” said Eric Morrison, Director of Southern Crescent and UPSL club Georgia Revolution. “It’s all tied to the community. When we started, we really wanted to grow the sport of soccer and we’ve never lost focus on that. Our purpose has always been to grow the sport and be a positive impact on children in the community.”
Eric noted he envisions the mini-pitch as a location where anyone can show up and play, while also using it to host various events like watch parties for big games, such as those of the World Cup.
For their part, the City of McDonough and Mayor Sandra Vincent have also offered incredible support to make this pitch a reality. “This mini-pitch is not just a field, it’s a symbol of unity and progress,” noted Vincent on the day of the groundbreaking ceremony. “It represents our joint effort to provide accessible and engaging spaces for everyone to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.”
Jason Longshore, a very familiar name and voice around the Atlanta soccer community and who is organizing the Top Golf fundraiser alongside Eric, noted how vital these locations are to growing the game in this country.
“One of the biggest things that needs to improve in soccer in the U.S. is access, more kids need to have the opportunity to play. Mini-pitches like this one are true game changers for the kids who will play on them and for the sport in this country.”
As noted above, the Southern Crescent Soccer Foundation and 92.9 The Game/Atlanta Soccer Tonight by Jason Longshore are hosting a Top Golf tournament on January 25th from 7-10 P.M. at Top Golf Midtown, located at 1600 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.
Southern Crescent Soccer Foundation
Those wishing to participate, either individually or as a pre-built team, can sign up here. The event will also feature some familiar faces from Atlanta United and 92.9 The Game, plus some of us from Dirty South Soccer and Scarves and Spikes. Jason Longshore and Jon Chuckery will also be broadcasting live, so be sure to come join the party!
If you wish to join the DSS/Scarves and Spikes team, be sure to get in touch with Tyler Pilgrim first!
And those who want to donate to the cause but can’t make the Top Golf event can simply donate via the foundation’s Go Fund Me.
Be sure to give us your thoughts below, and let us know if you can make it!