Georgia Soccer President Neil McNab joined me in Podcast 317 as Atlanta got ready for the 2026 World Cup. Neil is also executive director of Rush Union, the club that runs the fields at Brook Run Park, so we talked about what the World Cup moment means for soccer in Atlanta and right here in Dunwoody.
Georgia Soccer is the state association for youth and adult soccer in Georgia. Its president, Neil McNab, is a volunteer leader and former pro who also runs Rush Union, the club that operates the city-owned soccer fields at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody through a public-private partnership.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or watch the full episode above.
Why Now Is Soccer’s Time in Atlanta
Soccer was about to blow up in Atlanta. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming and big changes to infrastructure and public spaces, the city was getting its house in order, and that included our slice of the soccer world in Dunwoody.
Neil McNab is in the perfect spot to ride this wave. He’s the president of Georgia Soccer, executive director of Rush Union, and an all-around soccer visionary who’s helped shape what youth and adult soccer looks like in our community.
If you’ve spent any time at Brook Run Park recently, you know the fields are packed. Rush Union has become the heartbeat of youth soccer here, and Neil’s leadership is a big reason why.
A Volunteer Leader with a Pro’s Perspective
Neil’s role as president of Georgia Soccer is completely volunteer. He won an election to take it on, and while he jokes there is “no good time” to add that responsibility, he knows there is no better time.
His background gives him serious credibility. Neil grew up playing in the Manchester City youth system, then turned pro with Portsmouth F.C. before moving to the U.S. to play for teams like the Utah Blitzz and Long Island Rough Riders. He’s seen the game from every angle: player, coach, executive, and soccer dad.
At Rush Union, he’s done everything from coaching to setting up fields to leading the vision for how the club serves the community. That hands-on leadership style is exactly why he’s respected across the Georgia soccer landscape.
Dunwoody’s Home Field Advantage
Living in Dunwoody means a lot of things: great schools, top restaurants, a strong sense of community. But for families like mine, it also means showing up to Brook Run four nights a week with turf cleats in hand.
My boys have both played with Rush Union. I’ve played in the adult leagues since their inception. And yes, our What’s Up Dunwoody Over-40 team is kind of a big deal. We’ve won the league 11 times now. Neil jokes that at some point they’re going to have to name that trophy after us.
Rush Union has become a staple of life in Dunwoody. It’s not just a sports program; it’s a gathering spot. Parents become friends. Kids build confidence. Coaches turn into mentors. It’s the kind of community-building you don’t always realize is happening until you look back and see how far you’ve come. And I’m so proud to have helped be a part of it.
I’ve played soccer my entire life, and when we moved to Dunwoody, there really wasn’t a strong soccer presence. If you wanted your child to play competitively, you had to find that outside Dunwoody. If you wanted to play in an adult league, you had to leave Dunwoody to find that too.
That changed in 2018 when the city announced multi-use fields would be coming to Brook Run. Even better, the soccer club we already played at was going to be part of a public-private partnership to run programming there. Basically, the city owns the fields, and Rush Union keeps them buzzing with activity. For our family, it was a game changer. We live in Dunwoody North, a little over a mile away from these spectacular fields.
From Brook Run to the World Cup
What’s happening locally ties directly into what’s happening nationally. Atlanta isn’t just hosting World Cup matches in 2026, it’s becoming a model for how soccer cities should operate.
Neil pointed out that the growth they are expecting is similar to the 1994 World Cup or the rise of the 1999ers in women’s soccer. These aren’t just moments; they’re movements.
As Atlanta upgrades MARTA, builds out Centennial Yards, and expands the BeltLine, it’s also expanding its soccer culture. And that means more opportunity for youth players, coaches, referees, and families who just want to be part of something big.
The upcoming launch of an NWSL team in Atlanta (2028) adds even more momentum. That means girls growing up in Dunwoody will have pro players to look up to right in their backyard.
The Georgia Soccer Vision
Neil’s vision for Georgia Soccer centers on three things: access, education, and collaboration. He wants every kid, no matter where they live or what their family can afford, to have a chance to play.
He is big on coaching education, referee training, and building bridges between clubs. And with U.S. Soccer moving its headquarters to Atlanta, Georgia Soccer is in a great spot to lead.
His motto? “Play it forward.” Serve the game. Inspire the next generation. Develop people, not just players.
Let’s Talk Legacy
It’s not lost on me that the soccer fields at Brook Run didn’t even exist a decade ago. Now they’re full almost every night. That’s the result of showing up, coaches, volunteers, city staff, and yes, leaders like Neil who had a bigger vision.
Soccer is more than a game in Dunwoody. It’s part of our identity now. And with people like Neil McNab leading the charge, it’s going to keep getting better.
Why Soccer Matters for Living in Dunwoody
As a Dunwoody REALTOR®, I tell soccer families that Brook Run is a real draw. Having a club like Rush Union close to home has shaped our family’s life. For buyers with young players, homes near Brook Run Park are worth a look.
My Take: When we moved here, you had to leave Dunwoody to play serious soccer. Now the best soccer in the area is down the street.
Learn more at rushunionsoccer.org and georgiasoccer.org.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Soccer and Rush Union
Who is the president of Georgia Soccer?
At the time of this episode, Neil McNab was the volunteer president of Georgia Soccer and executive director of Rush Union.
Where does Rush Union play in Dunwoody?
Rush Union runs programming on the city-owned multi-use fields at Brook Run Park through a public-private partnership.
Is there adult soccer in Dunwoody?
Yes. Rush Union runs adult leagues at Brook Run Park, including over-40 divisions.
What does Georgia Soccer focus on?
Georgia Soccer focuses on expanding access to the game, coaching and referee education, and collaboration across clubs statewide.
Is an NWSL team coming to Atlanta?
Yes. Atlanta has been awarded an NWSL women’s team, expected to begin play in 2028.