Atlanta United connects with fans

MARIETTA, Ga. — Before the debut of Atlanta United, N’keschia Brundidge-Clark never expected Atlanta to turn into a soccer town.

Brundidge-Clark, executive director for the James T. Anderson Boys & Girls Club in Marietta, Ga., is an Atlanta native and has worked in Marietta for four years.

At the very least, Atlanta United has made a fan out of her. The Five Stripes partnered with MLS Works – the league’s community outreach arm – to transform the James T. Anderson Boys & Girls Club. The club on Thursday unveiled a new teen center for the club’s 130-154 kids, as well as a mini-pitch. The entire project came together in a little more than a week.

“It’s about building a community,” Brundidge-Clark said. “Showing our kids how to be a team, as well. Showing them how something can change in just a week, if you put your mind to it and get everybody together for the common good. It’s an awesome experience for our kids. To see them in action right now with the room being unveiled and how excited happy they are, I’m excited for them. It’s a good feeling.”

Atlanta United president Darren Eales was on hand for the announcement, as were league commissioner Don Garber and Atlanta United players Mikey Ambrose and Romario Williams.

Ambrose was traded to Atlanta by Orlando City and Williams is former UCF men’s soccer standout.

They surprised a group of children brought into the renovated teen center, which was spruced up with televisions and showcased elements of the Five