Young Atlanta soccer players earn once-in-a-lifetime chance to escort World Cup stars onto the field

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has arrived in North America, bringing with it an extraordinary opportunity for young soccer enthusiasts across the continent. Among the thousands of fans filling stadiums, a select group of children will experience the tournament from a perspective few can imagine. At each of the 104 matches scheduled across 16 host cities, young athletes between ages 6 and 10 will walk hand-in-hand with professional players as they enter the pitch. The tradition, which began in 2002 through a partnership between FIFA and UNICEF for the “Say Yes for Children” campaign, continues to create unforgettable moments for youth participants. This year’s program has expanded significantly, with Quaker Oats serving as the official sponsor.

The breakfast company partnered with more than 30 community organizations across 11 United States host cities to provide 1,400 young people from underserved communities the opportunity to participate. The initiative focuses specifically on reaching children who might otherwise lack access to elite soccer experiences. In Atlanta, where Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host eight World Cup matches, the nonprofit organization Soccer in the Streets was chosen to provide all player escorts. The selection represents recognition of the organization’s commitment to making soccer accessible regardless of economic or social background.

Free soccer program transforms Atlanta neighborhoods through station-based model

Soccer in the Streets operates on a simple but powerful principle. Executive Director Kaseem Ladipo explains that access begins with eliminating financial barriers. The organization serves 2,500 children annually across the greater Atlanta area through completely free programming. Their StationSoccer league, developed in partnership with Common Goal, places fields strategically near six different train stations throughout the city. The location-based approach removes transportation obstacles that often prevent children from participating in organized sports. Each site becomes a neighborhood hub where young athletes gather regularly for training and competition.

The StationSoccer model creates communities around accessible transit points, ensuring that families without personal vehicles can still bring children to practice. Fields are positioned near stations that connect diverse neighborhoods across Atlanta’s metro area. Coaches work year-round to develop skills while also emphasizing teamwork, leadership and nutrition. The program’s success led to its designation as the official player escort provider for all World Cup matches at Atlanta Stadium. Ladipo confirmed that 150 of their players would participate across the eight games, giving each child a chance to stand alongside FIFA legends or soon-to-be legends on the world’s biggest soccer stage.

West End family discovers soccer through four brothers in the A-team

Erica Holloman-Hill never imagined her household would revolve around soccer. The mother of four sons initially hesitated when she first heard about StationSoccer’s vision. Two years later, her boys have transformed the family dynamic entirely. She now considers them the “A-team” based on their names: Asim, 14; Asad, 12; Asir, 10; and Asun, 8. All four play regularly at the West End StationSoccer location. While Erica admits she’s still learning the sport’s intricacies, she recognizes the profound impact the program has had beyond athletic development.

The brothers practice together, competing while also supporting each other’s growth. When asked about their favorite aspect of playing as siblings, 12-year-old Asad immediately responded that they get to teach each other new skills and witness each other’s improvement. The free league eliminated the financial pressure that often accompanies youth sports, allowing all four boys to participate simultaneously. Erica notes the program has helped them develop confidence, discipline and social connections throughout their neighborhood. The West End field became a second home where her sons formed friendships and learned life lessons alongside soccer fundamentals.

Breakfast academy teaches nutrition and selects young escorts for South Africa match

Through Quaker Oats’ sponsorship, select StationSoccer participants received invitations to attend a special Breakfast Academy. The program educated young athletes about proper nutrition for athletic performance. Eight-year-old Asun recalls learning about fine grains, whole grains, water intake and the importance of fruit in a balanced diet. The academy combined nutritional education with leadership development, identifying children who demonstrated exceptional character both on and off the field. Instructors observed how participants interacted with teammates, followed instructions and showed commitment to improvement.

After completing the academy, Asun and his 10-year-old brother Asir received news that would change their young lives. They were selected to escort players during the South Africa versus Czechia match scheduled for June 18 at Atlanta Stadium. The announcement brought excitement mixed with nervous anticipation to both boys. Asir admitted feeling “a little bit kind of nervous because I never escorted anyone” before. The upcoming experience occupies his thoughts constantly. He revealed that he thinks about walking onto the pitch every day, and even dreams about it at night. The brothers will join thousands of other young escorts worldwide in continuing a tradition that puts children at the center of soccer’s greatest celebration.

World Cup tradition connects youth athletes with global soccer stars since 2002

The player escort program has evolved significantly since its inception over two decades ago. What began as a UNICEF initiative to promote children’s rights has become an integral part of World Cup matchday ceremonies. Children selected for escort duty receive official uniforms and attend pre-match briefings where they learn proper protocol. Each child is paired with a specific player, whom they accompany from the tunnel onto the field. They stand during national anthems before exiting the pitch, having shared a moment that many describe as life-changing.

• Players and escorts hold hands as they walk onto the field before each match
• Children stand on the pitch during national anthems alongside professional athletes
• Escorts receive official uniforms and participate in pre-match protocol briefings
• The program reaches children from underserved communities across all host cities
• Participants often cite the experience as inspiration for their own athletic journeys

For organizations like Soccer in the Streets, the World Cup partnership provides validation of their daily work. The global spotlight on Atlanta creates opportunities to showcase how community-based programs can transform young lives through sport. Many former escorts have reported that their brief time on the World Cup stage motivated them to pursue soccer more seriously. Some went on to play collegiately or professionally, while others became coaches and mentors in their own communities. The ripple effect extends far beyond the 90 seconds children spend walking onto the field.

Atlanta prepares to welcome international teams with local youth at center stage

Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s eight World Cup matches will bring elite international competition to Georgia’s capital throughout June and July. Each match will feature local StationSoccer participants as player escorts, ensuring Atlanta’s youth soccer community remains visible throughout the tournament. The Holloman-Hill brothers represent just two of the 150 children who will participate from the organization. Their selection reflects the program’s commitment to recognizing dedication and character alongside athletic ability. Families across Atlanta are preparing for their children’s moments in the global spotlight, purchasing tickets and planning celebrations around their escort assignments.

The partnership between Quaker Oats, FIFA and grassroots organizations like Soccer in the Streets demonstrates how major sporting events can create lasting community impact. Beyond the economic benefits of hosting World Cup matches, Atlanta gains a generation of young athletes inspired by direct contact with soccer’s elite. For Asun and Asir, the June 18 match against South Africa and Czechia represents a culmination of two years in StationSoccer. Their journey from hesitant newcomers to World Cup escorts illustrates the program’s transformative potential. As tournament preparations enter their final phase, 150 Atlanta children await their turn to step onto the world’s biggest sporting stage.