“Behind the Ride” spotlights Atlanta family’s journey with MARTA and soccer

ATLANTA–For the Robey family, MARTA is more than a transit system. It is the way through which they live, work, and play, MARTA shares in its October edition of “Behind the Ride,” an ongoing series highlighting the people and moments that define MARTA.

Since the Robeys do not own a car, the mother and son rely on buses, trains, and bikes to get to school, work, the grocery store, and to soccer. 

The family’s access has been made even easier through MARTA’s partnership with Soccer in the Streets™, whose StationSoccer initiative brings youth soccer fields directly to MARTA stations across Atlanta.

“When we moved to this side of town, I was looking for something to keep my kids active and engaged,” said Makeisha Robey. “We don’t have a car, and we have decided to keep it that way because it is better for our finances. Soccer being connected to MARTA stations meant I did not have to worry about how my son would get to practice or away games. It just worked for us.”

The Robeys use MARTA every day to get to soccer practices, dance classes, the grocery store, and more. For them, access and affordability are key, and StationSoccer has provided both.

“It is very important,” said Makeisha Robey. “We actually do not have a huge budget to do a lot of activities. To find something convenient and affordable has been fantastic. And through this process, we found out that Ethan loves soccer. He wants to play professionally or in college. We may not have known that without Soccer in the Streets and MARTA.”

Now a teen, Ethan Robey continues to play soccer, while also refereeing games for kids playing through Soccer in the Streets like he did when he was younger. The program has given Ethan confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper love for the sport.

“I like reffing when I am with another referee,” said Ethan. “Soccer in the Streets trained us and gave us new rules, new uniforms, everything we needed. I have been playing for about seven years, and I just love being part of the game. Someday I want to play professionally.”

The Robeys are not alone. Soccer in the Streets, through a strategic partnership with Atlanta United and MARTA, has built a network of StationSoccer fields across the city, giving thousands of young people access to the game while using MARTA to get there. The family’s home field is at the West End Station, the second field built. There are now six StationSoccer fields near MARTA stations, with a seventh coming soon to H.E. Holmes Station.

The StationSoccer program is internationally recognized for its focus on equity and inclusion, ensuring that cost and transportation are never barriers to play. For Makeisha Robey, the impact goes beyond sports. 

“Without MARTA, we would be forced to get a car, and that would be a huge strain on our finances. This partnership means my kids get to discover their passions and build community. That is powerful,” she said.

This summer, FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the West End StationSoccer field during a tour of Atlanta to promote the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

And with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, MARTA’s partnership with Soccer in the Streets shows how transit can fuel opportunity both on and off the field, officials say. From West End Station to the world stage, MARTA is helping connect Atlanta families to the world’s game.

When the world arrives in Atlanta, MARTA will be ready to deliver more than just rides. It will deliver access, opportunity, and connection for families like the Robeys and for visitors from around the globe.

To learn more about Soccer in the Streets,™ Atlanta, visit their website here.

Pictured: Makeisha Robey and her son, Ethan Robey. Photo provided by MARTA