ATLANTA -- The project is called: Station Soccer, and a non-profit has plans to reach more than just goals on the field.
The organization Soccer in the Streets has a big goal to build soccer fields at 10 MARTA stops in metro Atlanta.
Through a partnership with the transit system and Atlanta United, Soccer in the Streets has already built a field at the Five Points MARTA station.
The vision is to make the sport accessible to underserved communities in Atlanta, so kids can have a safe space to play.
Soccer in the Streets wants to bring free soccer programs to the following MARTA stops:
- Five Points
- Ashby
- Edgewood
- Kensington
- Brookhaven
- Doraville
- Sandy Springs
- Oakland City
- College Park
- Arts Center
Phil Hill, the executive director of the organization, said the concept can appear to be an odd combination.
"Bringing soccer to a station sounds really strange until you come down here and start playing,” he said.
The project, Hill said, helps use MARTA as a transit hub to bring people to the fields. The biggest struggle young players face is getting transportation to practice and games, he said.
They plan on hosting mentoring programs, helping with job placement and teaching young players the necessary tools to succeed.
Adult leagues and events will help fund the project and provide community outreach programs.
