World Cup boosts youth soccer interest in metro Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The YMCA of Metro Atlanta reports a 32% increase in fall youth soccer sign-ups compared with last year.

Scott Schadl, director of youth and adult sports at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, said the organization is a good fit for families in a variety of circumstances.

“The wonderful thing about the YMCA is we don’t hold anybody back for financial reasons from being able to play the sport,” Schadl said.

Financial aid and new players

In 2025 alone, the YMCA provided more than $7 million in financial aid and scholarships. Schadl also cited the broader benefits of youth sports participation.

“Learning how to be a teammate, building relationships, sportsmanship,” he said.

YMCA fall soccer registration remains open through August for children ages 2½ to 16.

World Cup influence on young athletes

Daniel Hollander, a trainer at TOCA Soccer in Doraville, said he has seen the World Cup’s effect on his athletes firsthand.

“We’ve had kids who never watched professional soccer in their life and they’re finally coming up here and they have their jerseys on and you’re like I thought you didn’t watch soccer and they just start grinning ear to ear,” Hollander said.

Hollander said the tournament has had a lasting impact on the sport in the United States.

“The World Cup definitely has done things for US soccer that I will be forever grateful for because I’m a soccer player in the United States and I love seeing the sport grow,” Hollander said.

Young players inspired by the pros

Khalid Sharif, 14, trains at TOCA Soccer and said watching top players during the World Cup has been educational.

“How you shoot the ball, how you pass the ball, you know like tricks that they do,” Sharif said.

Sharif said the sport has also offered social benefits.

“It’s a really fun sport and you make a lot of friends. The people are very respectful,” he said.