ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Atlanta will host its third World Cup match Sunday at noon, and the excitement is already spreading beyond Atlanta Stadium.
Ahead of the match, young players in Decatur had the chance to showcase their soccer skills at a weekend tournament aimed at getting more kids involved in the sport.
Decatur Watchfest hosted a 3v3 tournament Saturday morning at Decatur High School, with about 150 players from kindergarten through eighth grade taking to the pitch.
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Decatur High School Assistant Athletic Director David Harbin said they brought the event back after a hiatus because of the excitement surrounding the World Cup.
He emphasized the focus wasn’t just on scoring.
“One of our objectives today is to have more high fives than we do goals,” he said. “Some great celebrations of kids connecting with each other as teammates and opponents, but also with our high school players as well.”
Those high school players were also part of the action, helping connect with the younger athletes and fans.
Norton Whatley, a soccer player at Decatur High School, said it’s meaningful to see how the World Cup is drawing in longtime supporters and newcomers alike.
“It’s cool to see everyone cheer on USA, our home team, and it’s really fun to see all the kids get involved,” he said.
Nicki Salcedo, whose kids grew up playing the sport, said the value of soccer goes far beyond the game itself.
“Yes, you can have athletics and fitness. But there’s a lot of learning and coaching, skill building, dedication, early mornings, long days, learning about defeat,” she said.
Coaches at the tournament echoed that sentiment, pointing to soccer’s accessibility and the way it brings people together. Sandy Papadopoulos, who coaches rising second graders, said even people who didn’t previously follow the sport are starting to see its global impact.
“You can play outside, inside. You just need a ball and a wall, and you’re good,” she said. “And that’s what makes soccer the beautiful game. It is so amazing.”
The next World Cup match in Atlanta is happening Sunday at Atlanta Stadium, usually known as the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Spain facing Saudi Arabia at noon.
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