Ben Gross was – and still is – one of the most enthusiastic boosters of Georgia Soccer ever. We are both proud and lucky that Ben was located in the Metropolitan Atlanta Area when organized soccer began in 1967. H is well known and recognized, along with Brother Alec (another Georgia Soccer enthusiast) as the developer of a major residential community, Fieldstone, in Rockdale County. Our concern is his great and wonderful influence on Georgia soccer.

As Ben tells it, one early memory is marching in the 1967 Loyalty Day Parade in Rockdale Count, which in those days was about as improbable a place for soccer development as any in Georgia. Ben marched in the parade wearing full soccer uniform and manipulated a soccer ball, giving most of the Rockdale citizens their very first exposure to the sport.

The first year that organized youth soccer began in Rockdale County, Ben personally saw to many of its needs. He developed and provided 11 youth soccer fields complete with sprinkler systems, complete uniforms, shoes and balls for the teams, uniforms for the coaches, and referees for the games.

In those early days Ben Gross provided leadership, motivation and direction that laid a solid foundation for youth, amateur and professional soccer in Georgia. He organized coaching and referee instruction, became a licensed referee himself, served in various offices of the local leagues, helped organize and sponsor the Atlanta Chiefs Booster Club, coached youth teams when needed, and “wore as many soccer hats” as any of us can name. Many a child who could not afford to join a youth soccer league was sponsored anonymously through Ben’s generosity, a fact that is not well known. All of these efforts continued for many, many years.

A major event in Georgia Soccer in 1968 was the visit of the Manchester City soccer team of the English Football League First Division, for a professional exhibition game against the Atlanta Chiefs. A fiercely contested competition was conducted to see which Soccer Booster Club member could sell the most tickers. Ben won, hands down! He also sponsored a picnic on the grounds of Gross Lake in Rockdale for the two teams and about 700 overjoyed fans and assorted soccer nuts.

Ben married wife Sylvia in 1949, and he rightfully credits her, and his family’s unswerving support of him as the chief reason for his passion and support of Georgia Soccer. This delightful couple has 2 daughters, 2 sons and 6 grandchildren.

His enthusiasm, support, personal involvement, and leadership have lasted all these years. He has never ceased to be a force in the sport he loves. Ben typifies the involved soccer buff whose positive impact on the game in Georgia is indelible.