Dalton Opens New Soccer Mini Pitch

DALTON, GA (WDEF) – Dalton is living up to its nickname, “Soccer Town USA”, with the grand opening of its newest soccer facility. 

Today, young athletes and professional players from Atlanta United came together for a special “First Kick” ceremony, marking the official debut of the city’s brand-new “mini pitch” soccer field. 

The field, located at the Mack Gaston Community Center, was made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Atlanta United Community Fund in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support

Corporation. The funding is part of the GA 100 initiative, a statewide effort to expand soccer access in underserved communities by installing 100 mini-pitch fields across Georgia. 

Dalton Mayor Annalee Sams says the new facility is another step in the city’s commitment to the sport. 

The 60-by-90-foot mini-pitch features a hard-court surface with built-in goals and rebound boards, designed for faster-paced, high-contact play. 

And for a city that has seen its recreational, high school, and even college soccer teams bring home state and national titles, the investment in the sport continues to grow. 

Today’s ribbon-cutting event brought excitement to young athletes as they got to get autographs and take the field alongside stars from Atlanta United. 

One hundred lucky local youth were invited to participate in the “First Kick” event, making history as the first to play on the new pitch.

Dalton’s passion for soccer is undeniable, and with this latest addition, the city’s future stars have yet another place to shine.