Atlanta, GA, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta United recently hosted a memorable Academy Dinner at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to celebrate past achievements and inspire young players for the upcoming soccer season. The event, attended by Academy and First Team players along with their families, featured engaging activities and the recognition of player accomplishments. Notable figures from the club participated in activities that motivated the players and highlighted the supportive role of family in youth soccer development, solidifying the Academy’s commitment to nurturing talent.
Atlanta, GA – Atlanta United recently hosted the 2025 Academy Dinner at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marking a significant event in the club’s calendar that both celebrated past achievements and motivated Academy players for the upcoming 2025-2026 season.
The event, presented by Truist, brought together Academy players, their families, and First Team players, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation. Included in the audience were notable figures such as Chief Soccer Officer Chris Henderson and Director of Methodology Javier Perez, along with First Team players. The evening featured various guest speakers, activities, and honors for the Academy players.
As the Academy gears up for the new season, players across U13, U14, U15, U16, and U18 teams are preparing for their upcoming matches, which kick off this fall. Last season yielded impressive results, with four out of five Academy teams clinching their respective league regular-season titles, boosting the Academy’s reputation for player development.
The dinner featured festivities that included opportunities for players to record messages to their future selves through a creatively designed phone booth set up on the pitch. Attendees also participated in engaging activities such as soccer tennis and EAFC gaming matches. Moreover, a display of Atlanta United’s 2018 MLS Cup provided an engaging photo opportunity for guests.
The Academy’s flourishing system was highlighted during the event, with Javier Perez acknowledging the health of the program and celebrating Gabriel Wesseh’s recent recognition as MLS NEXT Pro’s Rising Star of the Month for August.
The Christian Carrillo Award was bestowed upon Jonathan Ransom, who was unable to attend the event due to his commitments with the Canada U-20 team. The evening concluded on an uplifting note as each player was individually recognized as members of the Academy rosters and received commemorative gift bags.
To further motivate the players, a special video showcasing encouragement from Atlanta United First Team Homegrown players was presented, leaving the Academy players inspired and eager to chase their aspirations in soccer. Brad Guzan emphasized the importance of seizing potential, reminding attendees that one of them would one day represent Atlanta United.
Simultaneously, the event recognized the invaluable support of parents and families in the players’ careers, reinforcing the community spirit that the Academy fosters as part of its mission. The goal of the Academy remains clear: to nurture a supportive environment that propels talent development and career progression in soccer.
Key Highlights from the 2025 Academy Dinner
- Hosted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- Attendance included Academy and First Team players and their families.
- Four Academy teams won their league regular season titles last season.
- Engaging activities and special presentations filled the evening.
- Recognition of player’s personal achievements and future potential.
Academy Structure and Upcoming Season
The Atlanta United Academy boasts a robust structure, featuring teams at various age levels, namely U13, U14, U15, U16, and U18. These teams are set to launch their seasons this fall as they prepare to take on competitive matches.
Family and Community Support
Recognizing the role of family support, the Academy continues to prioritize the involvement of parents in the growth journey of each player, further establishing a nurturing environment vital for emerging soccer talent.
Summary of Event Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Attendance | Academy players, families, First Team players, guest speakers |
| Key Achievements | Four out of five Academy teams won league titles |
| Activities | Recording messages, soccer tennis, gaming matches |
| Awards | Christian Carrillo Award presented to Jonathan Ransom |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Atlanta United Academy Dinner
- Wikipedia: Atlanta United FC
- Atlanta United 2 Academy Teams
- Google Search: Atlanta United Academy
- AJC: Atlanta United Signs James Donaldson
- Google Scholar: Atlanta United Academy performance
- Atlanta United Academy College Commitments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta United Academy
- Philadelphia Union Academy News
- Google News: Atlanta United Academy
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
