What Georgia Soccer does

Georgia Soccer, formally the Georgia State Soccer Association (GSSA), is the authorized National State Association of the US Soccer Federation for the state of Georgia and operates under the umbrellas of US Youth Soccer and US Adult Soccer Association. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Atlanta, the organization functions as a mission-driven non-profit that sanctions competitive tournaments (State Cup, Presidents Cup, Recreational Cup, Kickoff Weekend, Adult State Cup), administers coaching licensing courses (Grassroots through B License), certifies referees, and runs elite player identification through the Olympic Development Program (ODP). It serves more than 40 affiliated member clubs and leagues, a community of over 4,000 coaches and administrators, and youth players from 5U through 19U as well as adult players across multiple age divisions.

The organization's core product set spans competitive events, developmental leagues (Select 9U-19U, The Academy 9U-12U, recreational soccer), inclusive programming (TOP Soccer for athletes with disabilities), and educational services delivered through the USYS University platform on etrainu. Technology is delivered through partnerships rather than proprietary development: US Sports Connect for player credentialing, Sports Affinity for league scheduling, Stack Sports/CaptainU for college recruiting, Veo and Trace for AI-powered video analysis, and Gipper for club-level social media tools. Georgia Soccer does not develop proprietary technology systems of its own.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: recurring membership affiliation fees from member clubs and leagues, transaction-based tournament and event registration fees, coaching and referee education course fees, and sponsorship revenue from partners including Publix (Title Sponsor), Wendy's, RaceTrac, and Northside Hospital. Additional funding comes from US Soccer Federation grants supporting referee and coach development, and the organization has expanded its commercial partnership portfolio significantly in 2025-2026 with a stated strategic review underway via The Collective Global.

Name

Georgia Soccer

Legal name

Georgia State Soccer Association

Website

https://georgiasoccer.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1900

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Georgia Soccer is the official US Soccer Federation state association for Georgia, a non-profit headquartered in Atlanta that sanctions youth and adult tournaments, licenses coaches, certifies referees, and runs elite player development programs through 40+ affiliated member clubs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Sports Association

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Sports Teams and Clubs (711211)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

National Governing Bodies (NGBs) (MPAKAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Amateur Sport Governing Bodies & Federations (National/Regional) (MPAKACAD), Coach Education, Certification & Clinics (HSADAEAO), Refereeing, Officiating & Rules Training (HSADAEAN)

Keywords

• Youth soccer association
• Soccer tournament operations
• Coaching licensing programs
• Referee certification services
• Amateur sports governance

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Affiliation Fees: Revenue generated through affiliation fees paid by member clubs and leagues throughout Georgia. Member organizations pay fees to be part of the state association and gain access to sanctioned competitions, coaching education, and referee certification.
2. Event and Tournament Registration: Revenue from tournament entry fees for State Cup, Presidents Cup, Recreational Cup, and other sanctioned competitions. Teams and players pay registration fees to participate in these events.
3. Coaching and Referee Education Courses: Revenue from licensing courses for coaches and certification courses for referees. While some grants subsidize costs, course fees contribute to operations.
4. Sponsorship and Partnership: Revenue and in-kind support from official partners including Publix (Title Sponsor), Wendy's, RaceTrac, and others. Partners receive branding, event presence, and marketing exposure across Georgia Soccer properties.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Georgia Soccer sanctions and operates competitive soccer tournaments (State Cup, Presidents Cup, Recreational Cup, Kickoff Weekend, Adult State Cup) and developmental programs (Olympic Development Program, Select Leagues, The Academy, Recreational Soccer, TOP Soccer) across Georgia. It delivers US Soccer coaching licensing courses (Grassroots, D, C, B licenses) and referee certification programs, while governing 40+ affiliated member clubs and leagues as the state's official National State Association under US Soccer Federation.

Product overview

Georgia Soccer is the authorized state youth and adult association for Georgia within US Youth Soccer Association and US Adult Soccer Association, serving as the official National State Association for US Soccer Federation. The organization operates a multi-faceted platform consisting of competitive tournament products (State Cup, Presidents Cup, Recreational Cup, Kickoff Weekend), developmental programs (ODP, Select Leagues, The Academy), inclusive offerings (TOP Soccer, Soccer for All), educational services (Coaching License Courses, Referee Certification, USYS University), and community engagement initiatives (Atlanta Insiders Chapter, scholarships). These programs work together to provide comprehensive soccer development pathways from grassroots recreation through elite competition across Georgia's youth and adult soccer ecosystem.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Positively Soccer: Referee recruitment and development initiative
• Soccer for All
• Georgia Soccer University
• ODP (Olympic Development Program)

Products and services

• State Cup Championship soccer competition for youth teams aged 15U-19U in the Fall and 13U-14U in the Spring, serving as the premier state-level tournament for Georgia Soccer member clubs and a pathway to regional and national competition.
• Presidents Cup State-level cup competition for youth teams aged 13U-19U providing an alternative championship pathway alongside State Cup.
• Kickoff Weekend Annual season-opening tournament event presented by Publix, serving as a key kickoff celebration for youth soccer across Georgia.
• Recreational Cup Competitive cup opportunity for recreational-level players and teams, offering inclusive tournament participation beyond regular league play.
• Adult State Cup Championship competition for adult soccer teams providing competitive tournament opportunities for amateur adult players across Georgia.
• Olympic Development Program (ODP) Elite player development program identifying and nurturing talented youth players for regional and national team consideration through training camps, tryouts, and competition.
• Select Leagues (9U-19U) Competitive league structure for select-level teams spanning youth age groups from 9U through 19U, providing structured league play and advancement pathways.
• The Academy (9U-12U) Foundational development program for young players aged 9U-12U focusing on skill building and introduction to organized competitive soccer.
• Recreational Soccer Community-based soccer programs for players of all skill levels emphasizing participation, fun, and development over competition.
• TOP Soccer The Outreach Program for Soccer providing recreational sports opportunities for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities.
• Coaching License Courses US Soccer-licensed coaching education courses including Grassroots, D License, C License, and B License programs offered through the Georgia Soccer coaching platform.
• Referee Certification Certification courses and ongoing development for soccer referees in Georgia, including the Positively Soccer initiative subsidizing new referee recruitment and training.
• National League Piedmont Conference US Youth Soccer conference with teams from Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina providing pathways to regional championships and National League P.R.O.
• Scholarship Programs Annual scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors including the Rich Freeman Scholarship and Georgia Soccer Board scholarships awarded for excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.

Quantifiable outcome

• Target of 1,500 new referees recruited and retained over three years through the Positively Soccer program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability2 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• RaceTracflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026RaceTrac is the Official Fuel and Convenience Partner of Georgia Soccer. Headquartered in Atlanta, RaceTrac will have presence across premier events and programs. Partnership reflects shared commitment to supporting local communities and youth sports.
• SDH Network (Soccer Down Here)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026SDH Network is the Official Media Partner of Georgia Soccer, launching the Soccer for All initiative. SDH provides original coverage of Georgia Soccer events, programs, and community initiatives including interviews, features, podcasts, and social content.
• Trace (TraceUp)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 February 2026Trace provides AI-powered sports cameras to Georgia Soccer teams. Free Trace camera kit ($495 value) including camera, tripod, and case/bag is provided to participating teams. Families can subscribe for game watching and personalized highlight reels.
• Roundglass LivingcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 February 2026Roundglass Living provides a Wholistic Wellbeing app with neuroscience-backed practices. Free access is available to all Georgia Soccer youth and adult players and club personnel for one year, including breathwork, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness content.
• Leveling the Playing Field (LPF)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2025LPF is a national nonprofit expanding access to youth sports by redistributing equipment to programs serving kids in need. Georgia Soccer coordinates equipment drives at ODP and State Cup events, with LPF distributing collected gear across Georgia.
• The Collective GlobalflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025The Collective Global is conducting a comprehensive organizational review and strategic planning process for Georgia Soccer. The engagement explores grassroots development, coach/referee education, governance, competition structures, equity/inclusion, and member experience.
• Northside HospitalcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2025Northside Hospital is a strategic partner for player health and wellness, providing education, resources, and services focused on injury prevention and recovery. They also support the Olympic Development Program with specialized medical guidance.
• Publix Super MarketsflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 March 2025Publix serves as the Official Supermarket of Georgia Soccer and Title Sponsor for State Cup, Presidents Cup, and Kickoff Weekend events. The partnership has continued for over three years with renewal through end of 2027. Publix provides swag and supplies at events while gaining brand exposure and community connection.
• Wendy'scoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 March 2024Wendy's serves as Official Statewide Partner of Georgia Soccer. The partnership involves celebration and support of soccer across the State of Georgia, with local franchise opportunities available for clubs.
• inspiresportcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2023inspiresport provides international soccer development tours to elite UK and European clubs including Manchester City, Inter Milan, and Valencia FC. Georgia Soccer members gain access to professional training experiences, stadium tours, and match opportunities.
• Sportsbreaks.comcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2023Sportsbreaks.com is the Official Fan Travel Partner, offering ticket-inclusive packages to European soccer matches, Formula One, rugby, cricket, golf, and tennis. Atlanta-based office serves Georgia Soccer members.
• etrainu / USYS UniversitycoreTechnology or Integration · 1 September 2023USYS University provides educational resources for players, parents, coaches, administrators, and officials through the etrainu learning management system. Georgia Soccer implements a bespoke instance for its members.
• Positive Coaching AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2023Positive Coaching Alliance provides educational tools to assist coach development through the US Soccer Innovate to Grow coaching grant program, focusing on creating positive youth sports experiences.
• Little Caesars FundraisingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2023Little Caesars Fundraising partnership helps offset soccer expenses and support grassroots initiatives. Members sell pizza and bread kits with proceeds benefiting individual participants and the state/national associations.
• CaptainU (Stack Sports)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 June 2022CaptainU provides self-managed college recruiting software connecting high school athletes with college coaches. Georgia Soccer athletes receive free recruiting profiles and discounted upgraded plans through this 3-year partnership.
• US Youth SoccerflagshipOthersGeorgia Soccer is the authorized state youth association within US Youth Soccer Association. This affiliation provides access to national competitions, educational resources, and governance frameworks.
• US Soccer Federation (USSF)flagshipOthersGeorgia Soccer serves as the official National State Association of US Soccer Federation, responsible for providing licensing courses for coaches and certification courses for referees.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• US Youth Soccer Association: The national umbrella body that Georgia Soccer sits within; comparable as the parent governing organization setting standards, national league pathways, and policy frameworks that state associations implement.
• US Soccer Federation: The national governing body for soccer in the U.S.; relevant as the upstream authority that delegates coaching licensing and referee certification authority to Georgia Soccer and provides Innovate to Grow grants.
• US Adult Soccer Association: National governing body for adult soccer in the U.S. and parent affiliation of Georgia Soccer's adult programs; comparable as the upstream sanctioning and competition authority for adult state associations.

Direct peers

• North Carolina Youth Soccer Association: State youth soccer association in the Piedmont Conference alongside Georgia; directly comparable in size, structure, and member club affiliation model within the same USYS regional framework.
• Florida Youth Soccer Association: The state youth soccer association for Florida under US Youth Soccer; operates with the same regulatory model of coach licensing, referee certification, sanctioned tournaments, and member club affiliation as Georgia Soccer.
• California Youth Soccer Association (Cal South): Another large state youth soccer association under USYS serving one of the largest youth soccer populations in the U.S.; comparable in scope of coach licensing, referee certification, and tournament operations.

Emerging players

• US Club Soccer: Alternative national soccer organization providing club-based competition pathways that compete for member clubs and tournaments with state associations like Georgia Soccer.

Others

• Stack Sports: Technology partner powering Georgia Soccer's CaptainU recruiting platform and registration systems; comparable as a sports technology vendor serving the broader youth soccer ecosystem that state associations depend on.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/georgiasoccer
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@GeorgiaSoccerAssoc
• Facebookfacebook.com/GeorgiaSoccer
• Instagraminstagram.com/georgiasoccer
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/georgia-soccer

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Georgia Soccer