FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. — Fayette County leaders hope U.S. Soccer will open its new headquarters by the 2026 World Cup. The $228 million training facility will be located on 200 acres in Trilith.
"I mean, why not Fayette County?" said Niki Vanderslice, president and CEO of the Fayette County Development Authority. "It's home to world-class companies. We have a great quality of life, close proximity to the airport and metro Atlanta as a whole. It's an obvious choice."
She said she's thrilled to welcome U.S. Soccer to Fayette County, where roughly 6,000 kids and adults actively play soccer.
"It's going to be phenomenal, and it's going to be world-class with training facilities that will bring all of those athletes to Fayette County," Vanderslice said. "We are super excited with what U.S. Soccer is going to bring to our community, whether that is the talent that is coming in on the teams to practice here or working with our local community."
Bryan McDermott is the president of the Fayette County Youth Soccer League. He's excited to see what the national group will bring to the area.
"U.S. Soccer doesn't plan on being just those guys over there. They plan on getting into the community and helping us with our program," he said. "It's an easy opportunity for the kids and for us adults to be able to watch open training sessions when they have them."
The facility will serve as the national center for the training and competition of all U.S. Soccer men's, women's, youth, and extended national teams, including the development of youth players, coaching, and referee training.