A Global Vision for Local Play
The City of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Football Club Foundation received a donation of 200 FIFA World Cup 2026 official match balls, a gift that will soon be distributed to youngsters across the city.
The hand‑off was made possible through a collaboration that involves the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the organization that announced the ball distribution program for all its member cities.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. Conference of Mayors President David Holt revealed the initiative, noting that every participating city would receive the same high‑quality balls to help grow the sport at the grassroots level.
Local Leaders See Immediate Impact
Mayor Tim Kelly highlighted how the balls will remove a key barrier for many children who lack equipment, allowing them to step onto a field and experience the game without hesitation.
Executive Director John Miglarese of the Chattanooga Football Club Foundation said the donation aligns perfectly with the foundation’s mission to make soccer accessible to anyone in the community, regardless of background or resources.
The foundation has long struggled with limited gear due to cost constraints, and the new balls provide a tangible boost that will enable coaches to run more inclusive programs and give players the tools they need to develop.
Beyond the equipment, the balls carry a broader message of humility, hard work and teamwork, values that both Infantino and Holt emphasized as central to the World Cup’s spirit.