Flag design for the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center. Brand Identity work done at AKQA in 2024. Training Center is schedule to open by 2026.

Client

U.S. Soccer Federation &
Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses

Agency

AKQA

Role

Creative & Design Direction

Year

2024

Challenge

Create a new brand identity for the new home of the U.S. Soccer Federation


The brief

Unlike traditional football powerhouses, U.S. Soccer lacked a dedicated national training center, relying on varied facilities over the years. In 2023, the announcement of its Chicago-to-Atlanta headquarters move and plans for a state-of-the-art training center marked a turning point. U.S. Soccer partnered with AKQA to craft a brand embodying its relentless pursuit of excellence and inspiring future generations. Together, we developed a comprehensive brand identity and strategy, positioning U.S. Soccer for a bold future.


▲ Solution

Inspired by the U.S. Soccer crest and national flag, the mark symbolizes the Training Center as the heart of American soccer—a beacon of pride, patriotism, and ambition. Its upward motion reflects the American spirit of optimism and relentless pursuit of excellence, while the stripes honor our history and the teamwork central to soccer. The five lines represent the core values of our brand personality: steadfast, courageous, inspired, relentless, and historic.


Team

Press

Design Direction
Creative Direction
Design & Art Direction
Strategy
Strategy, Copy
Project Manager

Manuel Ortiz
Thad Goad
Martin Pohlmann
Alyson Gaiser
Tom Mullen
Tara Bates