Soccer in the Streets partnered with Chris Wiley & Oz Pizza, among others, to develop StationSoccer - East Point. And the idea for it came from an unusual place: Chris' then-14-year-old son Caleb Wiley.
From Atlanta United:
"One day after work, Chris and his son Caleb, who [was] on the Atlanta United U-17 Academy team, were leaving the restaurant. Caleb motioned at the spot behind the restaurant and said, 'Dad, that would be a cool spot for a little pitch.'" And StationSoccer - East Point was born.
Caleb Wiley (26) celebrates his first career MLS goal
Fast forward a few short years and Caleb Wiley, now 17-years-old, moved up the ranks in the Academy all the way to the first team with Atlanta United and recently made his professional debut, scoring his first career MLS goal and sealing the victory over Sporting Kansas City.
“When I saw it go into the back of the net, it was a huge moment for me,” said Wiley. “To do it in front of this huge crowd, in front of friends and family is something special.”
Celebrating in the stands with as much joy as Caleb did on the pitch was his dad, Chris Wiley. Chris has been a part of the local business community in Atlanta since the 1990s when he opened his first Oz Pizza location.
Supporting the local community has always been important to the Wileys, whether they’re feeding the neighborhood, supporting a safe space for kids to play soccer, or donating generously to local efforts.
Chris Wiley in front of Oz Pizza’s East Point location
“We are really big about community,” Wiley explained. “We've been offering weekly fundraiser nights for 12 years. We have given over $45,000 dollars to our local area communities.”
“That’s why we are here,” Wiley expressed with love. “We are here to give back, to support the community. That’s what we like to do.”
For Caleb’s part, although only 17 years old, he’s already inspiring the next generation.
Caleb Wiley subs on for his childhood idol (left); Wiley is pictured with Josef (right) when he played with the U12 ATL UTD Academy
“Just keep on dreaming. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be who you want to be.
Just go out there and have fun, believe in yourself and you can achieve it.”
– Caleb Wiley