"As somebody who loves the city of Atlanta this kit means that this is where I'm from and this is who I support. It's a contract between me and the team. It's the team saying we're going to represent the city of Atlanta in a positive and strong way, and it's me saying I recognize that and I'm going to promote you in the same way that you promote my city." -Joe Thomas
Joe Thomas is an Atlanta native and a die-hard soccer fan. Living in the heart of the city his entire life, Atlanta is what Joe knows best.
He works at Trees Atlanta, a nonprofit organization that promotes and protects the urban tree canopy in the city. He prides himself in his work and values the natural treasure that the city has been given.
"Atlanta is the city of the forest and we are charged with making sure that continues to be the case."
"My favorite thing about Atlanta is how it's a city that's made up of neighborhoods. Every neighborhood is really different and unique and there's not one center part of Atlanta. I think in the same way there is not one real Atlantan. You can never tell anybody 'Oh, this is what somebody from Atlanta is like'. There's a million different kinds of Atlantans, just like there's a million different kinds of Atlanta."
Joe is a supporter of all things ATL, but that is not the only reason his excitement for Atlanta United's inaugural season is immeasurable. As a child, Joe was diagnosed with a lung-related illness and received the news that he would most likely never again play sports competitively. However, identifying himself with soccer, he was motivated to maintain that part of his life.
In the face of adversity, Joe used his love for the game to help him overcome this illness and in the process, found a passion for soccer that will never wither.
"For the first time ever I have a major soccer franchise that I can say is mine."
Atlanta United is something that Joe has been waiting for his entire life. He and his father bonded through the sport, sometimes even watching games commentated in foreign languages when it was the only soccer broadcast available at the time. Having a MLS team come to Atlanta offers Joe and his father a team of the sport that they love, in the city that they adore.
"This is a franchise that is going to represent the southeastern United States. I think it's going to bring southern flavor to the league that no other team has done."
Like many soccer fans in the southeast, Joe has been patiently waiting for a tie to a local MLS club. Now the wait is over.
Atlanta is an international city that is built for this game. Joe believes that soccer helps people understand how the world works. It introduces people to others they would not ordinarily connect with. Atlanta United is moving forward in its mission to bring the city, along with the southeast, together as one.
© 2026 Atlanta United FC
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