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Behind The Stripes

The Ringo Family

By Atlanta United FC

February 17^th, 2017

"I fell in love with soccer at the 2006 World Cup. I saw the sport on TV and how excited people got, so I became addicted to it. Since then I follow the sport, I follow MLS, and I don't see myself ever turning back" - Donovan Ringo

For some people, timing is everything, and that was the case for Donovan Ringo and his family. The Ringos relocated to Atlanta from Savannah, Ga. three years ago and their life in the city is more than they could have asked for.

The move was a homecoming for his wife Christina, who was born at Grady Hospital and grew up in Atlanta. She left the city to attend Armstrong State University, but her heart has always been in the ATL. For Donovan, calling Atlanta home was fate, it meant that he could follow the sport that he loves and ingrain himself in the city as an Atlanta United Founding Member.

"I was at a coaching clinic when they announced the team name and all of that. I was so stoked. I called my wife on the phone right down the road and told her we have to get tickets."

A key member of the Atlanta United supporters group, "Footie Mob", Donovan proves that he is not only passionate about the game, but the fan culture as well.

Although an avid supporter of MLS, Donovan had yet to harbor a real connection with a club, until now. Atlanta United is building a bridge between the game and the people of the city. This season will transform the value of what it means to be a fan for Donovan and his family and they have high expectations for what is to come.

"I love the way the technical staff is building the team. It's the way it should be done. You start off with kids and give them something to aspire for, to be hungry for. That's what soccer is about. You build a community base and the sky is the limit."

Donovan admires the foundation that the club is building through the academy and hopes one day his sons will become a part of it. He believes that the youth culture the club is bringing to the MLS is something that will be a game changer for the sport in the United States.

"I think that they're going to make kids love the game early. It [soccer] will become second nature and might become America's past time one day."

"The club gives me purpose. It gives me purpose to play."

-Donovan Jr.

Atlanta United is bringing soccer to the south. Fans like Donovan and his family have been longing for this moment. There is now a team to rally behind, colors to rep, chants to follow, and new stars to admire. It's giving children like Donovan's eight year old son, Donovan Jr., a dream to chase.

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