GENESIS, U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION, AND MLS PLAYERS ASSOCIATION OPEN NEW MINI-PITCH IN GEORGIA

ATLANTA, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesis, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and MLS Players Association (MLSPA) celebrated the grand opening of a new mini-pitch in the City of South Fulton, Georgia, outside Atlanta. This is the fourth installation of Musco Mini-Pitch Systems™ as part of the continued partnership between Genesis and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, with other locations in Hollywood, Florida, Staten Island, New York, and most recently Compton, California.

"At Genesis, we recognize the power of investing in youth sports programs and the importance they have in children's growth and development," said Brandon Ramriez, director, corporate social responsibility, Genesis Motor America. "As we continue our partnership with U.S. Soccer Foundation, we are creating more safe places for children to play soccer and reap the impactful benefits of physical activity and team sports."

At the event, children and coaches participated in a ceremonial first kick and played an inaugural scrimmage on the new mini-pitch. Families also attended and enjoyed food from local vendors, and players also received commemorative jerseys.

"We're excited to partner with Genesis and MLSPA on another mini-pitch," said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO, U.S. Soccer Foundation. "This mini-pitch will increase access to our game, create more opportunities for young people to engage with their friends and coach-mentors, and stay active."

The Musco Mini-Pitch System is a customized, hard-court surface suited for soccer programs and pick-up games that serve as community hubs, encourage physical activity, and provide more opportunities for play. This mini-pitch is part of U.S. Soccer Foundation's Safe Places to Play program, which has already installed over 800 mini-pitches around the country and aims to reach 1,000 by 2026. The U.S. Soccer Foundation reports that 70% of mini-pitches are in areas designated as low on the childhood opportunity index and high in population density, showcasing its goal to increase accessibility to safe places to play for children in under-resourced areas.

"The MLSPA is proud to again join forces with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Genesis to open a mini-pitch that will serve the great community in the City of South Fulton," said Bob Foose, executive director, MLSPA. "The PA is excited to see these safe places to play spread across the country as we continue our commitment to increasing access to the game."

This partnership is part of Genesis Gives, the corporate social responsibility initiative of Genesis Motor America. Genesis partners with organizations whose mission is to increase accessibility to youth sports programs for children. Benefits of participation in youth sports include character development, increased physical activity, and confidence building, and can also lead to improved performance in academics.

"We are honored to collaborate with Genesis, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the Major League Soccer Players Association on the establishment of this new mini-pitch," said Ternard Turner, director, parks and recreation, City of South Fulton. "This investment reflects our commitment to enhancing quality of life for residents by expanding equitable access to safe recreational facilities, fostering youth development, and promoting community health. As excitement builds around the upcoming World Cup, this facility will stand as a timely and lasting resource where children and families can come together, celebrate the game of soccer, and thrive for generations to come."

U.S. Soccer Foundation

As the national leader for sports-based youth development in under-resourced areas, the U.S. Soccer Foundation is on a mission to let soccer do what it does: change absolutely everything. Founded as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Foundation provides underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA)

The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) is the labor union and exclusive bargaining representative for all Major League Soccer (MLS) players, ensuring the protection of their bargained-for rights. Established in 2003, the MLSPA serves to promote players' collective best interests, amplify their voices, and represent them in their group commercial and licensing activities. The MLSPA is a democratic organization, run by and for players. To learn more please visit www.mlsplayers.org. 

Genesis Gives

Genesis Gives is a corporate social responsibility initiative from Genesis Motor America. Expanding on the brand's commitment to the highest standards of performance and its athletic elegance design identity, Genesis Gives supports nonprofit organizations with the goal of improving access to, and performance in, youth sports and STEAM education in under-resourced communities. Since 2022, Genesis has donated over $2 million to support communities across the country. For more information, visit www.genesisgives.com.

Genesis Motor North America

Genesis is a new global automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of design, safety, refined performance, and innovation while looking towards a more sustainable future. Drawing from its cultural heritage and distinctly Korean hospitality, Genesis crafts experiences focused on customers as "Son-nim", or honored guests.

Genesis Motor North America offers a growing range of award-winning SUV, sedan, and electric models through its network of more than 200 independent U.S. retailers, in addition to its more than 30 Canadian agency distributors. Genesis now counts more than 90 standalone retail facilities across the North American region, with dozens more in development. Consumers can discover the brand through its many retail points, at Genesis House, the brand's flagship space in New York City, or online at www.genesis.com.

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SOURCE Genesis Motor America