“We are poised to elevate the sport to new heights and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come,” remarked US Soccer CEO JT Batson while unveiling the plans for the Arthur M. Blank US Soccer national training center. Quite an obvious thing to underline, considering they spent a whopping $200 million on turning this complex into a reality ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While both players and fans are eager for a glimpse, it seems Emma Hayes already has a thing or two to say about the facility. 

The US women’s national team manager got to visit the upcoming training facility and get first-hand experience of the installations for all 27 American soccer national teams. It all came through a video shared by US Soccer on X, where the former Chelsea boss spoke positively of the soon-to-be-unveiled training facility. “Well, I just got the chance to see the grand tour of the NTC,” began Emma Hayes.

“What an unbelievable experience it’s been today. To see not just the progress of the build but, I mean, getting the tour around this incredible facility not just demonstrates the lengths US Soccer are going to create world-class training environments, but also accessibility and inclusivity for all of our partners, all of our teams, all of our stakeholders.”

From dozens of pitches to training facilities, changing rooms to gym spaces, and classrooms to indoor facilities, Hayes strolled around the whole facility that is built in Fayette County, Georgia, Atlanta. The 48-year-old also assured everyone she could clearly imagine everything from futsal to youth soccer games, to refereeing and coaching education taking place under one roof. Stunned at the advancement, she concluded, “I think, without question, this is the best facility in the world.”

You hear that? Looks like Hayes is more than impressed by the wonders that US Soccer has done to promote the beautiful game. A need of the hour, to be fair, as more than the facility being an “ambitious strategic plans to grow soccer across the country,” an opportunity comes in the way of current and upcoming generations to elevate the level of the sport.

Not to mention with the World Cup at home next summer, it’s another way for the United States to boost its objectives of the $200 million worth training facility. But given what Emma Hayes said, it’s safe to say the USSF has delivered what they promised. We bet ardent fans would be desperate to see it. Likewise, the American soccer federation gave them a chance to be a part of this historic development.

Back in April, the US Soccer launched the “Brick Program,” where, by purchasing a personalized brick, supporters can have their names permanently displayed at the facility, similar to a Hollywood Walk of Fame. But this time, it’s dedicated to everyday fans rather than celebrities. Along with it, they would have received a Keepsake Replica of their brick, shipped directly to their home with an official program plaque and a Certificate of Recognition.

Display cases and additional replicas are available as optional add-ons. Prices begin at $350 for a 4″ x 8″ brick, while an 8″ x 8″ brick costs $450. Adding the official U.S. Soccer logo comes with an extra $100 fee. Premium granite packages are also available, starting at $650 for an 8″ x 8″ granite brick, with the logo again adding $100. At the top end, the most exclusive option is a 12″ x 12″ granite brick with the logo, priced at $2,500.

Such an initiative only compels us to discuss how the Arthur M. Blank US Soccer national training center will change the entire landscape of the game. Significantly, Hayes has stressed this for a long time.

US Soccer really followed Emma Hayes’ advice!

Emma Hayes remarked, “We do a lot less than England, Spain, and Germany,” while underlining the opportunities and obstacles that women’s soccer has been facing in America. Sure, from a solid foundation with youth leagues to college teams and professional pathways, U.S. Soccer has everything in place. Yet, Hayes pointed out that without a unified, comprehensive development strategy, young players lose continuity. As a result, they fail at the international level. 

The response from US Soccer? Problem solved. Believe it or not, the Arthur M. Blank US Soccer national training center does the job. It makes them stand out from the rest of the world. Spread across 200 acres, the facility includes over a dozen soccer fields along with 100,000 square feet of indoor courts. It will serve all 27 U.S. Soccer National Teams, from the senior men’s and women’s squads to youth and Extended National Teams.

The complex will also feature 200,000 square feet of high-performance spaces, including locker rooms, meeting areas, and U.S. Soccer’s new headquarters. Part of Arthur Blank’s $50 million donation is funding specialized facilities for the nine Extended National Teams, including the Cerebral Palsy, Deaf, and Power Soccer teams. These areas are being designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring players have world-class locker rooms and training environments.

Architectural firm Gensler leads the architectural and design work, which aims to deliver a modern, innovative campus for U.S. Soccer. In addition to Arthur Blank’s generosity, they raised the remaining funding through a bond issue that sold out in just nine minutes, generating $3.2 billion in interest. The facility could be ready to open in 2026. It’s an exciting time for the US national soccer teams.