Soccer in the Streets has adapted its community work with legal information, family workshops and regular updates. Its Station Soccer programme offers free sessions at MARTA stations, helping children who might otherwise be locked out of pay-to-play football.
The report says sessions are sometimes cancelled when reports of increased ICE activity circulate on social media or tracking apps. Stenger described the security situation around MARTA as a “grey area” and said a monthly newsletter now explains how families can respond during interactions with immigration officers.
That approach reflects a difficult reality: for some families, simply travelling to training can feel like a major decision.
Atlanta is preparing to host World Cup events, but uncertainty over the possible role of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement remains part of the local conversation. Todd Lyons reportedly said ICE would play a “key part” in World Cup security across host cities, while later messages suggested there would not be raids at the tournament.
Against that backdrop, Latino Community Fund Georgia is using football gatherings to connect families with know-your-rights support. A planned football clinic is expected to include guidance on potential ICE interactions, while other community activities combine wellbeing sessions with legal information.
Pedro Viloria said some residents are treating World Cup events as “a luxury rather than part of everyday community life”.
The response from Atlanta’s football groups is about more than organising alternative events. It is an attempt to preserve trust, maintain access and ensure that children do not lose a safe place to play because their families are frightened.
The next test will come as World Cup activities draw closer. For these organisations, the priority is clear: keep football welcoming while making sure families have the information and support needed to take part.