Alpharetta Ambush updates board on growth, alliance with Concord Fire and residency policy concerns

A representative of the Alpharetta Ambush Soccer Club told the Alpharetta Recreation Board that the club has formed an alliance with Concord Fire Alpharetta on its academy and select programs and is maintaining its own rec program and finances.

The presenter said the alliance aims to expand player pathways and retain players who previously left at the U‑12 level for other clubs. He reported strong recent recruitment: more than 1,500 players attended academy and select tryouts in May, the academy fielded 58 teams last year and had 903 registered travel players this year (up from 875). The rec program had 808 players last fall and was trending to modest growth as registration neared a Friday deadline.

The speaker described the club’s safety and administrative practices: roughly 80–90 coaches per season undergo background checks, SafeSport training and concussion-awareness instruction, and the club has provided financial-aid packages to about 28 families to make travel soccer more accessible.

On facilities, the representative praised the city’s turf at Webb Ridge Park, noting cancellations there fell from about 60% to roughly 5% after turf installation. He also asked the city to consider replacing two old ice machines at North Park and Wedbridge Park that remain inoperable.

The presenter closed by criticizing the city’s residency policy, calling it “a bad policy” that complicates roster formation and player retention across neighboring jurisdictions and urging a constructive conversation about change. He emphasized the club supports a residency policy in principle but urged revision to better serve local kids.

The meeting moved on after a brief question period; no formal action on the club’s requests was recorded.