At a modest field on Arizona Avenue in Atlanta, a group of youngsters gathered to share the basics of soccer with CBS News reporter Daniel Wilkerson, just days before the FIFA Men’s World Cup arrives in the city.
Grassroots Training in the Old Fourth Ward
Seven‑year‑old Liam Cann demonstrated toe taps and the scissors drill, while eight‑year‑old Jack Brown offered a simple insight: in soccer the ticking clock often matters more than the final score.
Liam Punancy explained how soccer differs from basketball and baseball, emphasizing the sport’s continuous flow and global appeal.
Dean Morris, community care leader for Old Fourth Ward, said local organizations have seized the World Cup’s momentum to introduce more children to the game, organizing watch parties and youth clinics throughout the neighborhood.
Inter Atlanta FC’s fields have become a hub for these activities, providing a space where the community can connect with the tournament’s excitement and see soccer as a shared experience.
The upcoming World Cup will bring teams from around the world to Atlanta, sparking enthusiasm among the city’s youngest fans and reinforcing soccer’s growing footprint in the region.