Atlanta United announced an initiative to discover “The Next Great Pitch” in Atlanta. The Atlanta United Foundation is requesting proposals for iconic, breakthrough ideas for the design and construction of a new mini-pitch in Metro Atlanta. The winning project will become a space that accelerates soccer participation and demonstrates how the power of sport can help unite a community.

The winning proposal will be eligible for a grant of up to $200,000. Eligible entries will be accepted from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools or government agencies. For-profit businesses, private developers and individuals are not eligible entrants but may partner with eligible groups on a submission.

In 2016, the Atlanta United Foundation opened the mini-pitch at MARTA’s Five Points station, the world’s first soccer pitch inside of a mass transit station. “The Next Great Pitch” will transform an unused or underused space, about the size of a tennis court or larger, into a unique asset that serves neighborhood youth and becomes a regional attraction. It will create a distinctive play space that showcases the possibility to play soccer anywhere, anytime. The space will allocate time for free play for local youth as well as commit time to league play in ways that generate revenue to support the ongoing operations and maintenance of the pitch.

Proposed sites must be located within the 10-county area: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale.. All entries must be submitted online through the Atlanta United Foundation by midnight May 31 to be considered. AUF will then select finalists to submit complete grant applications.