Atlanta, Georgia, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta United 2 has signed 16-year-old goalkeeper James Donaldson, highlighting the club’s commitment to developing local talent. Donaldson, who joined the Academy from NASA Tophat, showed remarkable skill by securing seven shutouts and winning the Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the Generation adidas Cup. His signing is effective through the 2026 season, after which he will officially become a Homegrown player, showcasing the club’s dedication to nurturing future stars in the region.
Atlanta, Georgia — Atlanta United 2 has announced the signing of James Donaldson, a talented 16-year-old goalkeeper from its Academy. The signing is valid through the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, with Donaldson set to be designated as a Homegrown player starting January 1, 2027. This strategic move highlights Atlanta United’s commitment to nurturing local talent and reflects the organization’s investment in the future of soccer in the region.
Javier Peréz, the Director of Methodology at Atlanta United, commended Donaldson for his exceptional growth since he joined the Academy in August 2021 from NASA Tophat. Peréz’s remarks underscore Donaldson’s evolution as a promising prospect aiming to transition to the First Team, showcasing the club’s pathway for young players to advance their careers.
Donaldson’s journey in the world of soccer began when he joined Atlanta United’s U-13 squad. Since then, he has made significant strides in his development. Most notably, in the 2025 season with the U-16 Academy team, he recorded an impressive seven shutouts and played a total of 1,966 minutes. His contributions aided the U-16 team in reaching the semifinals of the prestigious 2025 Generation adidas Cup, where the squad achieved victories against formidable opponents like Minnesota United’s U-16 and Liga MX’s Club América.
Donaldson’s performance in the cup did not go unnoticed as he was awarded the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, showcasing his skill and potential at a competitive level. Beyond his clubs’ achievements, Donaldson has also represented the U.S. U-15 Youth National Team multiple times, demonstrating his capabilities on an international platform. He is also eligible to represent England, giving him a unique position in terms of international career prospects.
As of September 2, 2025, Donaldson is the only goalkeeper on the Atlanta United 2 roster, as the team looks to solidify its lineup with a strong foundation. The current roster also features four defenders, five midfielders, and four forwards, with some players on loans from other teams.
James Donaldson Player Profile
- Name: James Donaldson
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Birthdate: March 20, 2009 (16 years old)
- Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee
- Citizenship: United States and England
Atlanta United 2 Roster Summary
- Goalkeepers: 1 (James Donaldson)
- Defenders: 4 (Ronan Wynne, Toto Majub, Salvatore Mazzaferro, Kaiden Moore)
- Midfielders: 5 (Javier Armas, Santiago Pita, Ignacio Suarez, Moises Tablante, Adyn Torres)
- Forwards: 4 (Ryan Carmichael, Arif Kovac, Rodrigo Neri, Patrick Weah)
Context of the Signing
This signing marks a significant milestone for both the player and the organization. As clubs increasingly emphasize developing homegrown talent, Atlanta United’s decision to secure Donaldson’s future reflects the broader trend in Major League Soccer towards integrating youth prospects into professional play. This approach not only helps teams build a strong framework within the community but also ensures the longevity of the soccer culture in Atlanta.
FAQs
Who is James Donaldson?
James Donaldson is a 16-year-old goalkeeper who has recently signed with Atlanta United 2 through the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season. He is a promising talent from Atlanta United’s Academy and will be designated as a Homegrown player in 2027.
What achievements has James Donaldson accomplished?
Donaldson recorded seven shutouts during the 2025 season with the U-16 Academy team and was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2025 Generation adidas Cup. He has also represented the U.S. U-15 Youth National Team.
What is the importance of signing Homegrown players?
Signing Homegrown players like James Donaldson allows teams to nurture local talent, build a sustainable roster, and create a stronger connection to the community while promoting soccer development at the grassroots level.
Key Features of the Signing
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Player Name | James Donaldson |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Age | 16 years old |
| Contract Duration | Through 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season |
| Homegrown Designation | Effective January 1, 2027 |
| Shutouts in 2025 | 7 |
| Total Minutes Played in 2025 | 1,966 minutes |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Atlanta United 2 Signs Academy Goalkeeper James Donaldson
- AJC: Atlanta United Signs James Donaldson
- AJC: 3 Atlanta United Players Honored by MLS
- Top Drawer Soccer: Best Performances from the MLS NEXT Cup
- AJC: Atlanta United Coverage
- Wikipedia: James Donaldson
- Google Search: James Donaldson goalkeeper
- Google Scholar: James Donaldson soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: James Donaldson
- Google News: James Donaldson MLS
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.
