“We are really just a big soccer family. We’re all obsessed with the game. Now, having a club in Atlanta, we can support the city we love, through a sport that we treasure.”
-Ahmed El-Shami
The El-Shami siblings were raised through the game of soccer, kicking a soccer ball as soon as they could walk. Their parents, aunts and uncles grew up in Lybia but moved to United States where they went on to open a youth soccer club in the suburbs of Atlanta.
“The game of soccer is basically a lifestyle to us” - Ahmed El-Shami
Avid supporters of the English Premier league, the El-Shami siblings are ecstatic that they now have an MLS side to support. They say that since MLS is now in the ATL, they will follow the league more than ever before.
The family finds the growth of soccer in Atlanta very exciting, and they know one of the main reasons behind the elevating support for the beautiful game is MLS expansion teams like Atlanta United.
"We all grew up at this club and it is the base of everything we know when it comes to soccer.” -Nora El-Shami
With relatives that have played at the professional level, the El-Shami siblings have an uncanny motivation and commitment to the sport. May, the youngest daughter, wants to follow in her older sister Nora’s, footsteps and go on to play at the collegiate level, while her family hopes that she makes a U.S. National Team someday.
The Atlanta United Academy is what Mido, the youngest sibling, has his eyes set on. The chance to share facilities with a professional team and play alongside players that have made it to the highest level, it's a unique opportunity for youth players at the Atlanta United Academy.
"The kit means pride. This is something that we can fight for, defend, cheer. Ups and downs, we’ll be there with our team, from our town and support it.” -Ahmed El-Shami
The excitement of an MLS club in the southeast has extended farther than most could have imagined. Atlanta United is bringing the global game to the ATL and giving fans, both new and old, an opportunity to be part of the globally beloved culture of soccer.
© 2026 Atlanta United FC
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