ATLANTA (WJBF) – As the city of Atlanta gears up for its last FIFA World Cup match of this tournament, featuring a thrilling semifinal clash between England and Argentina, Emory University is shining a spotlight on the depth of Atlanta’s soccer scene. They are doing so with a series of captivating exhibitions that celebrate how the sport has shaped the culture and communities of the city.
Named the “Footwork” exhibitions, these displays at Emory University are available for viewing until Sunday. They delve into Atlanta’s soccer history, tracing the journey from the very first professional team formed in the 1960s to its evolution into a bustling hub for soccer enthusiasts worldwide.
This immersive experience blends elements of sports, culture, fashion, health, and community, offering a rich tapestry of historic artifacts, photography, memorabilia, and engaging interactive displays.
“The World Cup has everyone coming together, each with their own favorite team,” remarked Clinton Fluker, who is the senior director of culture, community, and partner engagement at Emory Libraries. “Visitors aren’t just here for a history lesson. They’re eager to be part of the evolving story and leave their own mark on it.”
A key highlight of the exhibition is the narrative of the Atlanta Chiefs, the city’s pioneering professional soccer team that began its journey in the 1960s.
Emory said the Chiefs helped create the foundation for Atlanta’s soccer culture at a pivotal time in the city’s history.
Fluker said the team initially started as a way to bring more events to the former Braves stadium, but it eventually became much more.
“What it ended up doing was becoming a place for us to gather together and create a soccer culture within the city that we didn’t previously have,” Fluker said.
The exhibit also explores how soccer helped bring communities together during the Civil Rights Era. The Atlanta Chiefs won their first national championship in 1968, the same year Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
“This was a particularly interesting time for the United States and for Atlanta in particular, when the civil rights movement was at its height,” Fluker said. “This is also a time where we’re trying to figure out how do we bring people together.”
The “Footwork” exhibitions highlight the evolution of soccer beyond the field, including the connection between the sport and fashion through Adidas archive pieces and the development of soccer sneakers.
Visitors can also explore historic photos, World Cup artifacts, and displays focused on soccer medicine and the role of sports in health and wellness.
The exhibits are a partnership involving Emory University, Atlanta United, and Adidas.
Organizers said the goal is to celebrate Atlanta’s past while building excitement for the city’s role as a host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The “Footwork” exhibitions are free and open to the public through Sunday at Emory University.