It’s been a bitter cold month in Atlanta this January, but that hasn’t stopped the future of Atlanta United from putting in the work to build a future in the game for themselves. This month, with the games slowed down and college alumni seasons’ over, Atlanta United Academy players have gone near and far to get unique and life-changing chances for development at the pro level. Here’s what they’ve been up to this month:
Academy talent in preseason
The preseason is in full swing for the Atlanta United first team, and that can be a huge opportunity for Academy players on the fringe of professional minutes to impress the coaching staff. On top of Homegrown signings George Campbell and George Bello, two current Academy players made the trip to Bradenton, Florida to train with the first team: Will Reilly and Tyler Wolff. Reilly has already played in the ATL UTD 2 midfield, with the Decatur native currently playing with the U18/19 team. Wolff, son of U.S. National Team legend Josh Wolff from Braselton, Georgia, has scored 14 goals in 11 USSDA games since joining the U16/17 side this season. It’s a big week in their young careers, both as a chance to showcase their talent but also an opportunity for growth training with the first team. And for the club, it’s another sign of the free flow of talent between the levels that Atlanta United strives for.
Academy trio heads to Scotland
Those aren’t the only two Atlanta United Academy players traveling to get top-level experience this month. Three U19 Academy players are finishing up a two-week training stint at Aberdeen FC in the Scottish Premier League. Goalkeeper Marzuq Puckerin, left back Jordan Matthews and center back Garrison Tubbs finish up their two-week training this week. All three have already featured on ATL UTD matchday rosters, and now get this chance to further their development. With Jon Gallagher still on loan for the first team, it’s another sign that the new partnership with Aberdeen is bearing fruit at all levels.
Spring season kicks off
While the Academy athletes have been working through the cold, it’s time for them to get back to competitive play with the spring season kicking off in early February. The Academy U19s will kick off Saturday February 8th against the Michigan Wolves, with the U13s and U14s starting that same weekend versus AFC Lightning. And then a huge weekend the following week for the U15 and U17 squads, who will host the GA Cup Regionals at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta from February 14-17.
Follow Along
As always, make sure to click here to follow the Atlanta United Academy on social media for all the latest on this upcoming generation of talent.
