U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone Leads the Way in Establishing National Training Center
Former U.S. women’s national team player and current U.S. Soccer president, Cindy Parlow Cone, brings a unique perspective to her role. With an impressive career as a player, coach, and holder of a USSF “A” coaching license, Parlow Cone understands the game from all angles. Her passion for the sport and the upcoming major events in the U.S. played a significant role in the establishment of a national training center.
A Game-Changing Facility
After careful consideration, U.S. Soccer selected Fayette County, located just 40 minutes from downtown Atlanta, as the site for their state-of-the-art training facility. This facility, spanning over 200 acres, will connect Atlanta, Georgia, and the southern region to international football for years to come. Parlow Cone explains that Fayette County met all the criteria, including accessibility, proximity to a major airport, favorable climate, and the potential for local economic impact.
A Special Moment in Time
With major international and club competitions set to take place in the U.S. and the arrival of Lionel Messi in MLS, the world is watching U.S. Soccer. Parlow Cone believes that the federation has the potential to become a global power in men’s and women’s football. The establishment of a national training center is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
Parlow Cone acknowledges that the process took longer than expected, but she sees this as a unique moment for U.S. Soccer. With upcoming events like Copa America, the Club World Cup, the men’s and women’s World Cups, and the Olympics, the federation has an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the sport.
A Home for U.S. Soccer
While Parlow Cone will remain based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, she emphasizes that Atlanta will be the new home for U.S. Soccer. Having played for the Atlanta Beat and won gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Parlow Cone has a personal connection to the city.
Parlow Cone credits Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank, as well as AMB Sports and Entertainment vice chairman Steve Cannon, for their support in making the training center a reality. Their involvement has been instrumental in bringing the dream of a national training center to fruition.
A Vision for the Future
With the initial fundraising complete, construction of the facilities will soon begin. The training center will feature numerous fields and over 1,000 square feet of indoor courts. Pilot programs for coaches, players, and referees will be implemented to refine and scale successful strategies nationwide.
Parlow Cone envisions the national training center as a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their level of soccer or background. It will serve as the home of U.S. Soccer and contribute to the positive growth of the Greater Atlanta community.
With Parlow Cone’s leadership and the establishment of this world-class facility, U.S. Soccer is poised to make significant strides in becoming a global football powerhouse.
(Top photo: Jason Allen/ISI Photos)