local
Local 10-year-old tapped to escort Haitian team onto field at Atlanta Stadium
By Chelsea Beimfohr at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Josie Van is 10 years old. She loves to play soccer and watch the beautiful game on TV.She’s also half American and half Haitian.“My dad is from the U.S. and my mom is from Haiti,” Josie said.Josie’s grandparents immigrated to the United States more than five d...
Key takeaway (Atlanta News First) — Josie Van is 10 years old.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The selection of 10-year-old Josie Van to escort the Haitian team onto the field at Atlanta Stadium is a significant moment for the city's Haitian community. As the daughter of a Haitian mother and American father, Josie's experience reflects the diverse cultural heritage of many Atlanta residents. Her participation in the World Cup match also highlights the city's growing reputation as a hub for international soccer, with Atlanta Stadium hosting high-profile games. The partnership between Soccer In The Streets and FIFA that made Josie's appearance possible demonstrates the impact of local organizations in bringing global events to the community. As Josie takes the field, she will be representing not just her family's heritage, but also the city's own cultural diversity and its enthusiasm for the sport. Her story may inspire other young Atlantans, particularly those from immigrant families, to pursue their passions and make their mark on the city's vibrant cultural scene.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Josie Van is 10 years old. She loves to play soccer and watch the beautiful game on TV.She’s also half American and half Haitian.“My dad is from the U.S. and my mom is from Haiti,” Josie said.Josie’s grandparents immigrated to the United States more than five d...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chelsea Beimfohr at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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