Atlanta United
Atlanta United

3 clubs in state join MLS youth initiative

Community members participate in a soccer event hosted by YELLS (Youth Empowerment through Learning, Leading, and Serving, Inc.) to promote community engagement on Franklin Gateway at The Gallery apartment complex on Saturday, March 25, 2017. One of the boldest and most aggressive revitalization efforts in the metro Atlanta region will celebrate a major milestone later this year with the opening of Atlanta United’s $60 million soccer complex on Franklin Gateway in Marietta. But the community has incurred losses as a result of the redevelopment. The new facilities are replacing four apartment buildings that were bought and razed by the city, displacing some residents. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Community members participate in a soccer event hosted by YELLS (Youth Empowerment through Learning, Leading, and Serving, Inc.) to promote community engagement on Franklin Gateway at The Gallery apartment complex on Saturday, March 25, 2017. One of the boldest and most aggressive revitalization efforts in the metro Atlanta region will celebrate a major milestone later this year with the opening of Atlanta United’s $60 million soccer complex on Franklin Gateway in Marietta. But the community has incurred losses as a result of the redevelopment. The new facilities are replacing four apartment buildings that were bought and razed by the city, displacing some residents. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
By
May 13, 2020

Atlanta United is one of three clubs from Georgia that joined the MLS new youth-development platform.

Other clubs that joined are Lanier Soccer Academy and Southern Soccer Academy.

The initiative was the result of last month’s dissolution of the Development Academy run by U.S. Soccer. Sixty-five clubs that were in the DA are now part of the MLS platform, which has 95 teams composed of more than 8,000 players.

The platform will focus on “year-round competition, as well as player-identification initiatives, coaching-education opportunities, and additional programming to create the premier player-development environment,” according to MLS.

About the Author

Doug Roberson covers the Atlanta United and Major League Soccer.

Follow Doug Roberson on facebookFollow Doug Roberson on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Midfielder Santiago Pita started 10 matches for Atlanta United 2 with two goals and two assists last season. (Julian Alexander/Atlanta United)

Credit: Julian Alexander/Atlanta United

Atlanta United signs Santiago Pita to Homegrown contract

Atlanta United signed midfielder Santiago Pita to a Homegrown contract Wednesday. Pita will join the club in 2026 and has a contract through 2029.

Here are some free-agent possibilities to consider for Atlanta United

The Five Stripes are expected to target a goalkeeper, central defender and a utility player as MLS free agency opens Wednesday.

Getting to know the World Cup teams

Of the 48 teams that will make up the World Cup, 42 are already known. Get to know all 42.

The Latest

Midfielder Santiago Pita started 10 matches for Atlanta United 2 with two goals and two assists last season. (Julian Alexander/Atlanta United)

Credit: Julian Alexander/Atlanta United

Atlanta United signs Santiago Pita to Homegrown contract

Here are some free-agent possibilities to consider for Atlanta United

Work begins for Atlanta and World Cup now most teams are known

Featured

A MARTA operator is seen inside the control room of one of the new MARTA trains during the unveiling of these trains on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

MARTA chief says new train cars give smooth, quiet ride

Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s editorial board he is focused on project delivery, which he said is key to winning back public trust.

God’s Acre: Former Native American boarding school reveals complex history

A Native American boarding school established by Moravian missionaries in North Georgia in the early 19th century reveals a complicated and compelling history.

Why Midtown’s holiday lights display is a little less vibrant this year

Midtown Bright, the annual winter lights display, was cut back this year.