MLS Atlanta kick off soccer Thursdays in Woodruff Park

June 19,2015

Soccerl fanatics can spend their lunch breaks dribbling downfield with peers and former pros at Woodruff Park every Thursday starting next week.

Soccer in the Streets, a nonprofit that mentors underserved kids from the streets to the field, is inviting Atlantans to strap on shin-guards and kick balls with the community starting on June 25 at 11:30 a.m.

Early attendees will have the opportunity to speak with MLS Atlanta's Club President Darren Eales and the team's Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra. Both are experienced soccer players; Eales played with the several U.S. teams and Bocanegra was a former U.S. National team player. The two will tackle questions the community might have regarding the game. They'll likely also be pestered for hints about the July 7 unveiling of Atlanta's new MLS team name and logo.

Players will hit the pitch for two hours each Thursday until July 23 under the guidance of Soccer in the Streets staff and partners who will discuss everything from sporting skills to life lessons.

Residents are invited to kick up some turf with former goal-scorers, but Central Atlanta Progress would prefer they leave the cleats at home to protect the grass. Prospective soccer stars and rookies alike are encouraged to RSVP to marketing@atlantadowntown.com.