Soccer in Habersham and surrounding counties has grown phenomenally during the last twenty years. Local interest in soccer includes 550-600 local Habersham players, on 50 teams, ages 3 to 19, in the Habersham Rapids Futbol Club.
According to Jeff LaBarbera, Executive Director of Rapids Futbol Club, our local youth compete with other youth from three local counties White, Stephens and soon, Franklin. Rapids Futbol Club is affiliated with Georgia Soccer Association, the governing body for most youth soccer in Georgia.
The first home opener for Atlanta United Futbol Club (AUFC) is this coming weekend at Bobby Dodd Stadium on the Georgia Tech campus, and the event is creating a lot of excitement for local youth. Habersham’s Girl’s Academy U9, (9 yrs. and under) won the State title in 2016 and LaBarbera says professional soccer is just what our young people (who love soccer) need.
“Having Atlanta United nearby provides an opportunity for young players to see soccer played in the right way, professionally, and allows local kids a chance to be a part of the experience. It helps us set goals, Atlanta will be a super resource, and a lot of people here will likely follow the team,” LaBarbera told Now Habersham this past weekend.
Local Habersham JV soccer midfielder, Jesus Queriapa, is attending the first professional soccer game in Atlanta this coming Sunday and feels the establishment of professional soccer in Georgia will boost interest in the sport across the state, “I feel that having a winning professional soccer team in Atlanta will motivate and inspire local players to strive for a career in soccer,” Queriapa recently commented during a break at a pick-up soccer game at Habersham Fairgrounds. Queriapa continued, “Soccer provides many positive qualities for developing teenagers into responsible, productive and successful adults. Having a professional team here will make a big difference.”
Habersham Central High School has five soccer teams, three boys, and two girls teams. Almost 150 players participate in soccer at Habersham Central, with six full and part time coaches. Jeff LaBarbera is Habersham Central’s girls Junior Varsity coach and is planning on coaching girls Varsity next season. Ric Wallace is the Varsity boys head coach.
Two other soccer players at the pick-up game at the Habersham Fairgrounds last weekend, were Michael and Willie Molina, Gwinnett soccer players visiting in Habersham.
“Atlanta United Futbol will give a chance for fans to regularly see a pro game and provide pro soccer in Atlanta, and not just on cable TV,” Michael Molina observed. Willie, Michael’s older brother, added that the new professional team will also have an Academy, where youth from Georgia can attend soccer camps and workshops.
Habersham Central varsity soccer midfielder, Junior Talavera, who also was at the pick-up soccer game last weekend says, “Having a professional soccer team in Atlanta, where local kids can attend games, will inspire our own youth to excel. Having positive role models is important for today’s youth.”
Jeff LaBarbera added a final comment that Habersham Rapids would like a partnership between AUFC and Rapids, perhaps share resources, provide ways for local kids to attend Atlanta games, and maybe have AUFC team members or coaches come to Habersham. “Atlanta United will help grow passion for the sport in our area,” LaBarbera said.
The Atlanta United team will play this season at Bobby Dodd Stadium on the Georgia Tech campus, and then next season, they will compete in their new home shared with the Atlanta Falcons, the $1.6 billion new Mercedes Benz Stadium, which is almost completed beside the old Georgia Dome.
Some tickets are still remaining for the opening game this Sunday scheduled for 5pm. You can purchase them on line starting at $25 at www.atlutd.com/tickets. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 678-420-7200.
