KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Nov. 14, 2024) – United Soccer Coaches has announced the selection of Arthur M. Blank as the newest recipient of its Honorary All-American Award. Blank will be honored during the 85th annual United Soccer Coaches Convention, January 8-12, in Chicago, Ill.
Arthur M. Blank, a renowned figure in the world of business, owner and Chairman, Blank Family of Businesses, has been selected to receive the association’s 2024 Honorary All-America Award for contributions to the game of soccer and to the public good at the United Soccer Coaches Awards Ceremony, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Chicago, Ill.
Perhaps best known as co-founder of The Home Depot, Arthur Blank is now widely recognized for his diverse businesses. Recipient of the 2024 Sports Business Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his immense industry impact and named by ESPN as the 2021 Sports Philanthropist of the Year, Blank is a tireless advocate of using purpose and profit hand-in-hand to benefit the communities around him.
Blank has been distinguished by Forbes as one of the World’s 100 Greatest Living Business Minds 2017, Sports Business Journal’s Executive of the Year 2018, and Sports Business Journal’s One of the 50 Most Influential People in Sports 2016, 2017, and 2018.
In addition to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Blank’s portfolio of businesses includes the NFL Atlanta Falcons and MLS Atlanta United; PGA TOUR Superstore; Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch and Paradise Valley Ranch; Atlanta Drive GC; and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, host of the 2019 Super Bowl and 2026 FIFA World Cup host stadium.
Since 1995, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has granted more than $1.3 billion, investing in education, parks and green space, youth development and community redevelopment. The Foundation also leads giving programs for each of the for-profit businesses within the Blank Family of Businesses portfolio.
Recently featured in an MLS locker room video congratulating his Atlanta United team on its stunning playoff victory over Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, Blank sparked raucous crowd applause while hammering the giant golden spike in Mercedes-Benz Stadium signifying the big win.
A native of Queens, N.Y., Blank received a B.S. Degree in Business Administration with Distinction from Babson College.
In reaction to news of the honor, Blank said, “Thank you to United Soccer Coaches for this recognition and for their unwavering support of the great coaches of the beautiful game we all love, and congratulations to the incredible All-American athletes being honored this year.”
Blank added, “As a soccer dad, I know the hard work and sacrifice it takes to achieve greatness, and I’m proud to see so many young people shaping their futures through this sport. It’s been an honor to witness Atlanta grow into a true soccer hub, and I’ve seen how the game builds character and brings communities together. To all the athletes, remember: your dreams are never too small, and success comes only through hard work and dedication. Keep believing in yourselves.”
Each year, the United Soccer Coaches Honorary All-America Award is presented to a person or persons who have brought particular distinction and/or attention to the sport of soccer through their efforts within and beyond the boundaries of the sport. Among past recipients, the categories of persons recognized have included astronauts, entertainers, politicians, military personnel, administrators and other individuals connected to the game. Click here for a list of previous Honorary All-America Award recipients.