Lenox Square® is kicking off a soccer ball donation drive to provide YMCA of Metro Atlanta athletes with equipment in celebration of international soccer coming to Atlanta this summer. From now to Friday, July 31, Lenox Square shoppers are invited to donate new soccer balls, helping put the beautiful game within reach of the city’s youngest players.  

Donations can be placed in designated contribution bins throughout the Mall Level at Lenox Square and at the property’s Mall Management Office, located on the Market Level near the Dining Pavilion restrooms. Soccer balls of all sizes are encouraged.

“Our city is stepping onto the global soccer stage, and we want Atlanta’s youth to be part of the moment,” said Sean Carroll, general manager at Lenox Square. “That is why supporting the YMCA of Metro Atlanta to put soccer balls in young hands is a goal worth scoring. With the tournament and the Peachtree Road Race drawing thousands of visitors to our center, we invite everyone to give back to the organization that has shaped Atlanta soccer for decades.”

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is the city’s oldest nonprofit dedicated to serving the local community. It is also an early center of youth soccer in Georgia, starting in the 1960s in Decatur. Today, the organization is Atlanta’s leading youth soccer provider with locations across Metro Atlanta, emphasizing youth development at every stage. As the world's biggest soccer tournament comes to town, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta is ready to make sure no child is left on the sidelines.

“As the birthplace of youth soccer in the U.S., we’re proud to continue making the game affordable, inclusive and accessible,” said Lauren Koontz, president & CEO of YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “The generous support of Lenox Square and our community is integral in helping kids to get involved in soccer, learn and grow as part of a team and build fundamental skills that set them up for success.”