Atlanta’s newest pro sports team hosts launch party for fans

Hundreds of enthusiastic soccer fans, both young and old, gathered in the heart of Peachtree Street on Sunday to celebrate the launch of a new women's soccer team known as Atlanta City FC. Chardonnay Harris, a dedicated girls soccer coach, was among the eager attendees, expressing her excitement about the opportunity for young girls to witness professional women excelling in the sport. Harris believes that seeing successful female athletes can provide girls with a vision for their own futures in the game.

Atlanta City FC is the 17th expansion team in the National Women's Soccer League and was secured by billionaire businessman and philanthropist Arthur Blank through a $165 million expansion fee. The club will be sharing its home ground at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with Arthur Blank's other sports teams, Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons.

Deandra Duggans, the Chief Business Officer of Atlanta City FC, emphasized that the new team will serve as an inspiration for young people to take up the sport. "They're wanting to play soccer and are dreaming about playing soccer and they now have a team in their back yard," Duggans stated.

Women's professional soccer is witnessing a remarkable surge in popularity across the United States, with record-breaking attendance and increasing viewership on television and streaming platforms. Many locals and tourists visiting Atlanta expressed their delight at the city gaining a women's professional soccer team. Peggy McCauliffe, a local resident, remarked, "I think it's wonderful. I think women's sports are really important, and we need to get involved and support them, and good for Atlanta."

A massive $100 million dollar training center for Atlanta City FC is currently under construction in Marietta. The club is set to commence competitive play in 2028.