Durham Atlético is a soccer organization dedicated to broadening access to the beautiful game throughout Durham, with a particular focus on the urban core.
We are committed to tackling two intertwined challenges: the lack of available public soccer fields in Durham, and the scarcity of low-cost, structured programs for children and adults. We are also committed to improving soccer facilities for low-wealth, immigrant, and minority communities.
Our current programs for adults are:
- A futsal league playing at several venues in central Durham. Futsal is an increasingly popular type of soccer invented in South America.
- An 8v8 soccer league playing at Old North Durham Park, the only public soccer field in downtown Durham.
Our programs for children include:
- The Durham Atletico Youth Futsal Academy, founded in summer 2018. The goals of the academy are to give soccer access to a broad range of 5- to 10-year-olds and to train teenagers to coach those younger kids.
- An ongoing weekly futsal program for children ages 4-6.
Since our launch in January 2015, we have also partnered with Durham Parks and Recreation on several projects to improve urban soccer facilities:
- Fundraising for a set of goals to make the field at Campus Hills Park suitable for youth and adult soccer.
- Renovating the futsal court at Sherwood Park, including resurfacing the court and installing permanent goals.
- Campaigning for Durham to win a $20,000 grant to revitalize the Hillside Park roller rink and convert it to a futsal court.
- Consulting on a $60,000 grant from the US Soccer Foundation to build a futsal court at East End Park.
- Working to locate funds to install lights at Hillside Park’s outdoor futsal court and improve the surface.
Durham Atlético is a limited liability company registered in North Carolina. The managing member is longtime Durham resident David Fellerath. We plan to transition to a nonprofit club model. In the meantime, we are able to solicit tax-deductible contributions through our nonprofit fiscal sponsor, Durham Parks Foundation.
Partners in the Durham community
Durham Atletico would not be possible without the generous support of the Durham community.
JD Service Now has been our valued Championship Partner since 2016.
Bull McCabe’s, Motorco, and Mattie B’s were crucial to our launch in 2015.
We have received multiple generous donations from Hillsborough-based SOCCER.COM.
Other current and past business sponsors include:
Senda Athletics
Cocoa Cinnamon
Hutchins Garage
Accordion Club
Toast Paninoteca
Pour Durham
Jack Tar and the Colonel’s Daughter
The Durham
Duke University Athletics
Everyday Magic
Tobacco Road FC
We have supported the efforts of community nonprofits, including:
YMCA of the Triangle
The Scrap Exchange
Church World Service
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church