Sports

This is a starting point: U.S. Soccers new home will help grow the game

U.S. Soccer has a new home. Situated on a 200-acre site south of Atlanta, the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center officially opened its doors in early May, marking a new chter for the country’s soccer federation.

Currently hosting the U.S. men’s national team as it prepares for this summer’s FIFA World Cup, the NTC boasts 17 outdoor playing surfaces, 20 locker rooms, 19 meeting rooms, two indoor courts, a 10,000-square-foot gym, and more, in a space that has more than 400,000 square feet of facilities and hundreds of staff, all of it tailored to players’ every need.

“It is best in the world, in my opinion,” then-sporting director Matt Crocker told ESPN earlier this year, before departing the federation in ril. “It’s going to be pretty incredible from our national teams’ perspectives, but obviously also coach education, refereeing, community usage; we want it to be the home of soccer in America.”

With ambitious goals to become a “catalyst” for everyone who walks through its doors, there’s much that the NTC hopes to achieve, from supporting the likes of Christian Pulisic at this World Cup, to creating opportunities and memories for local organizations that will be able to use the center.

In order to get a better sense of the facility, ESPN spoke with Crocker, among others, about the inner workings of the NTC: how it was established, what it hopes to accomplish, and notably, how it can support soccer nationally and locally.

Finding a home in Atlanta

Before the opening of the NTC, U.S. Soccer was, as Crocker put it, a “traveling circus.” Players and staff would regularly rely on rented facilities to prepare for matches, and although they do have a small space in Southern California that was opened in collaboration with the LA Galaxy, its primary use is for the MLS club.

There’s a similar development center in Kansas City, built within Sporting Kansas City‘s training grounds. The federation’s former headquarters was in Chicago.

Opening up the NTC wasn’t just about having a landing spot for national team players; it was also about having a true headquarters for everyone. According to U.S. Soccer, the federation will have more than 350 employees on site daily.

“All of our national coaches, all of our high-performance staff, all of our administrative staff are now based in Atlanta,” said Crocker, whose successor at U.S. Soccer has yet to be named.

When researching possible sites, a few things worked in favor of Atlanta: direct flight options from a major airport nearby, an East Coast location within reach for opponents and players from abroad, and suitable year-round weather. Coupled with a $50 million donation from local NFL/MLS owner Arthur Blank, corporate sponsors (like Atlanta’s Coca-Cola) and land donated by Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy, ground was broken on the site in 2024.

Now open, many have marveled at the size of the new and permanent home that’s much larger than their co-shared facilities in Los Angeles.

“It’s a huge, huge space. We’re just under 400,000 square feet under roof,” said NTC general manager Tom Norton. “Even just running down the hall to grab a coffee takes a little bit.”

‘There will be soccer here almost every day’

U.S. Soccer is, of course, much more than just the senior national teams from the men’s and women’s programs. And while they get most of the media and fan attention, especially ahead of World Cups, they represent just two of 27 national teams that will get to utilize the NTC.

“The one key when we’re talking about the soccer fields and gyms that’s important to remember is now we can host more than one team at a time, so we have 20 locker rooms; we don’t just have a locker room, we have 20,” Norton said. “There will be soccer here almost every day.”

When listing what he hoped to achieve with the NTC, Crocker first noted that he wanted “no stone unturned” when it came to a player-first proach that will provide anything that’s needed for all 27 teams.

That includes the nine “extended national teams,” that have been front of mind for U.S. Soccer when it came to making the NTC accessible. Some of the details noted by the federation: elevated viewing decks for wheelchairs, dedicated areas to charge chairs for power soccer, customized locker rooms and tactile audio/visual designs.

Another thing Crocker hopes to achieve is “to become almost like the Harvard of coach education and refereeing.”

Along with players, coaches and referees can enroll in courses at the center. According to Crocker, the idea is to have education that will run throughout the year. Others from state associations and local teams will also be invited in.

“It gives us an opportunity to make sure that this facility is operational 365 days of the year, and whether that’s through games, through training opportunities, through education opportunities,” Crocker said. “We want the facility to feel like buzzy and full all the time, not just when the national teams are in.”

No longer a “traveling circus,” all 27 national teams, and guests, will now be under one roof.

“When you have a home, you’re able to do more,” Norton said. “It’s just going to feel more comfortable … which will allow us to focus more on getting better on the field and growing the game.”

Bringing in the locals

At the national level, the potential benefits are clear for U.S. Soccer. In addition, its impact is already felt locally.

“It really puts the spotlight on soccer in Georgia,” said Neil McNab, the executive director of Atlanta’s Rush Union Soccer, which runs teams for boys and girls. “It also means that the best of the best, not just in players, but coaches, referees, the brightest minds in our game, will be drawn to our area.”

McNab, who said that local youth players have already been invited in for events, recently visited to help support a “soccer in schools” initiative.

“There’s so much going on,” he said. “If they’re doing a coaching education or trying to build out some resources, they need players and coaches to go and execute, and that’s what’s already beginning.”

Jim Walker, executive director of the Georgia State Soccer Association, highlighted that his group will get a chance to host its semiannual general meeting at the building this summer.

“We’re taking advantage of that right away,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to bring our members in to see the NTC.”

Although there are no guarantees just yet, Walker also remarked on the possibility of fielding the organization’s “State Cup” tournament at the new center.

“At a state association level, there may be opportunities for State Cup, there may be opportunities for [the Olympic development program], coaching education, referee training, a lot of those things that ordinarily we’re doing anyway, but we’re doing it at local high schools and whatnot right now,” Walker said. “We’ve got a really cool crown jewel, so to speak, that we can host these things at.”

Locally and at the national level, time will tell the true impact the NTC will make. Gauging its role in soccer development is something that will need to be measured over years, if not decades.

What does remain true, though, after just a few weeks, is the enthusiasm that’s emerging from those who have seen the “crown jewel” up close.

“There’s an aura around the complex,” McNab said. “[You] get excited about what’s still to come, because this is not the end line. This is not the finish line. This is a starting point.”

Sports

Hearts hope to seal Calvin Miller move from Falkirk

Heart of Midlothian are hopeful of concluding the signing of Falkirk winger Calvin Miller in the next 48 hours.

The Tynecastle club have been in discussions with their Scottish Premiership rivals and are close to agreeing a transfer for the 28-year-old, who had been linked with a move to Celtic earlier in the season.

Miller, who is under contract until next summer, scored nine goals in 47 pearances as he helped Falkirk finish sixth in their first season back in the top flight.

The former Scotland youth winger had played a pivotal part in the Bairns’ back-to-back promotions from League 1 to the Premiership.

He started his career with Celtic and has featured for Dundee, Ayr United, Greenock Morton as well as spells with Harrogate Town, Notts County and Chesterfield.

Hearts have already signed winger Josh McPake as his contract runs out with St Johnstone, along with Lincoln City centre-half MJ Kamson-Kamara and Versailles midfielder Tom Renaud.

Falkirk last week signed 18-year-old winger Paul McGovern from Glenavon on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee and added left-back Scott Tanser on Monday after the 31-year-old’s contract expired with St Mirren.

Sports

Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid show interest in Arsenals Declan Rice

Could Real Madrid make an attempt to sign Declan Rice from Arsenal? Plus, Paris Saint-Germain make an offer for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades

TRENDING RUMORS

– Some influential voices within Real Madrid have suggested that Arsenal’s Declan Rice should be the priority as debates continue about the club’s midfield plans, according to TEAMtalk. Madrid are actively assessing options to strengthen in that area, with Manchester City’s Rodri and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández both being firmly admired by the hierarchy at the Bernabéu. Despite the growing admiration Rice is receiving, the Gunners remain relaxed about the 27-year-old’s situation and have opened discussions about a new contract.

– In recent weeks, Paris Saint-Germain made an offer to Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez but asked to postpone all formal negotiations until after their Champions League final against Arsenal, reports Diario Sport. Following their win in a penalty shootout, they will now make a move and are aware that Atlético are demanding well over €100 million. PSG could further intensify their efforts to sign the 26-year-old, as they are expected to miss out on RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande to Liverpool. Mundo Deportivo suggest that Barcelona have made a €100m offer.

– Darwin Núñez‘s name has been brought up in negotiations between Al Hilal and Barcelona regarding João Cancelo, according to Mundo Deportivo. There could be a possibility that the striker terminates his contract having been left out of the Saudi Pro League club’s squad for league matches since the winter window due to Al Hilal signing Karim Benzema. The 26-year-old has also been linked with Premier League clubs and sides from other major European leagues.

– Barcelona have reached a complete agreement with Bernardo Silva to sign the midfielder as a free agent when his Manchester City contract expires, although the deal is not yet finalised, reports AS. The 31-year-old has always prioritised the Catalan club despite interest from Atlético, Benfica and sides from Turkey, France, Italy and other countries, such as Saudi Arabia. The deal still needs proval from Hansi Flick, who isn’t as enthusiastic about the Portugal international as the club’s sporting director and president.

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Ogden: Iraola will be high up Liverpool’s list after Slot sacking

OTHER RUMORS

– PSG are considering the possibility of signing Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi alongside RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. (L’Equipe)

– Manchester United are closing in on an agreement to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the Red Devils hoping the deal will be close to £35 million. (talkSPORT)

– Ibrahima Konate has several opportunities, including at least two Saudi Pro League clubs, after the announcement that the center back will leave Liverpool as a free agent. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Alisson Becker will inform Liverpool’s new manager that he wants to leave Anfield and join Juventus. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Juventus are looking at Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Inter Milan are focusing on signing Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and right wing back Marco Palestra from Atalanta in the summer. (Tuttosport)

– Manu Kone, Davide Frattesi, Evan Ndicka and Carlos Augusto could all be included in deals between Inter Milan and Roma this summer. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Inter Milan will not sign Real Madrid’s David Alaba or Manchester United’s Harry Maguire due to their age and salary. Their main defensive option is Udinese’s Oumar Solet. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Everton are one of various Premier League clubs keeping an eye on West Ham United striker Taty Castellanos following West Ham’s relegation. (Football Insider)

– Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has emerged as a leading option for Crystal Palace. (Football Insider)

– Southampton winger Leo Scienza is keen to join Leeds United and take the step up to the Premier League. (Football Insider)

– RB Leipzig are interested in Lovro Majer, who will leave Wolfsburg in the summer. (Nicolo Schira)

– Stade Rennais are willing to offer around €10 million for Venezia midfielder Antoine Hainaut. (Foot Mercato)

– Torino are interested in Roma forward Luigi Cherubini, who spent the season on loan at Sampdoria. (Nicolo Schira)

Sports

French Open 2026 results: Joao Fonseca, 19, beats Casper Ruud as Alexander Zverev cruises into quarter-finals at Roland Garros

Amid the excitement of youth, world number three Zverev underlined his status as favourite for the men’s singles title with a clinical straight-set win over Jesper de Jong, which sent him through to the quarter-finals at Roland Garros for the sixth consecutive year.

The second seed, 29, has long been earmarked as a future Grand Slam champion but despite reaching finals at three of the four majors – and leading Carlos Alcaraz by two sets to one at the French Open in 2024 – he is still searching for his maiden title.

However, with world number one Jannik Sinner and Djokovic both eliminated in the first week, plus defending champion Alcaraz absent because of injury, the German’s route to the title has opened up.

De Jong, ranked more than 100 places below Zverev, went toe-to-toe with the heavy-hitting German in the opener, racing into a 3-0 lead and later leading 3-0 in the tie-break before Zverev reeled off seven consecutive points to take the set.

Zverev had to be patient in the second, waiting until the 10th game to convert one of only two break-point opportunities offered to him, but was too strong for his opponent in a 24-minute third set, completing a 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 6-1 win.

Relentless on serve in the final two sets, he conceded just six points across nine service games while also showing his formidable touch at the net, winning 29 of 38 points.

“It was a bit difficult in the beginning,” Zverev said on court. “I didn’t start strong and he started really fast. But once I found my rhythm, I was comfortable.

“My game is there. It’s about showing it on the match courts.”

Zverev is one of only three top-10 seeds left in the draw, one of just two players with experience of playing in a major final and is competing on a surface on which he has won nine of his 24 ATP titles.

Perhs most crucially, while many of his rivals have battled through multiple five-set matches, he has won three of his four matches in straight sets.

Sports

Pre-World Cup friendly live updates: USMNT look sharp in win over Senegal

May 31, 2026, 05:32 PM ET

The U.S. men’s national team preparations for this summer’s FIFA World Cup are now firmly underway. After players reported to training camp this week, Mauricio Pochettino’s side took on Senegal in a pre-tournament friendly on Sunday in Charlotte, which the Americans won 3-2.

Sergiño Dest opened the scoring, with Christian Pulisic doubling the World Cup hosts’ advantage, before a Sadio Mané brace leveled the score. Folarin Balogun, though, came off the bench to score and earn the U.S. an entertaining and deserved victory.

Relive all the action with ESPN.

Sports

French Open 2026 results: Iga Swiatek, four-time champion, loses to Marta Kostyuk in fourth round

Meanwhile, Romanian 18th seed Sorana Cirstea is into her second French Open quarter-final – 17 years after her first pearance in the last eight at Roland Garros.

The 36-year-old, who plans to retire at the end of the year, was a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) winner against Chinese qualifier Wang Xiyu.

The victory continues Cirstea’s remarkable form in the twilight of her career. following her 6-0 6-0 victory over Solano Sierra in the third round.

Cirstea said her final year in the sport is “going way better than I expected” but, at the moment, she is not planning to reverse her decision to retire.

“I’m just trying to take it week by week and I’m not going to do anything different,” said Cirstea. “I’m not going to try now to change things or put any pressure.

“Of course, we will assess things as we go, but at the moment the decision is the same.”

Cirstea beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Rome earlier this month, while her run at Roland Garros is her best at a Grand Slam since reaching the US Open quarter-finals in 2023.

Cirstea said she is “more mature” at the age of 36 compared to the early stages of her career and has a “different kind of perspective and mindset”.

She added: “I think when I was really young, it was a little bit of life or death every single match. I would win, I was very, very hpy. I would lose, [for] two days I would be crying.

“I have so much passion for the sport. I have so much joy playing, but at the same time, it’s my job.”

Cirstea will next play Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva, who won 6-3 6-2 against unseeded Swiss player Jil Teichmann in round four on Sunday.

Andreeva was two years old at the time of Cirstea’s previous last-eight pearance at Roland Garros in 2009.