While celebrations normally come at the end of a journey, Atlanta United's Academy likes to recognize the beginning of each season in a special way. On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the ninth annual Academy Night Dinner was held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
There was an excited buzz in the air as Atlanta United Academy players, as well as their families, were dressed to the nines entering Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With red and black decorations donning the building, from entrance to the pitch, everyone was ready to ring in a new season. The dinner has been held since 2016.
This year, the Academy consists of teams in age groups U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16 and U-18. The Academy system provides a clear pathway for players who show the required potential, ability and desire to continue their soccer career and potentially reach the first team as a Homegrown player. With education and futures in mind, the program also assists athletes in pursuing opportunities to play soccer at top colleges and universities across the United States.
Families could take various pictures before the event started; ones in front of an Atlanta United ice sculpture, a brightly lit arch mirroring the one the first team walks out of for a match, and different areas around the stadium.
The highlight of the night was the multiple speakers that spoke to the Academy players. The theme of the night was heralding in a new season, but also what community building means outside of soccer. Rob Valentino, interim head coach for Atlanta United, emphasized the importance of being a good person, and how that is the first step towards "creating a legacy on and off the pitch." Atlanta United CEO & President Garth Lagerwey addressed the players as well, expressing his gratitude towards the grassroots efforts that have made Atlanta United the way it is today.
Several players that have started for the first team have come up the ranks through the Academy. Homegrown players like Noah Cobb, Luke Brennan, Efrain Morales, Matt Edwards, and Adyn Torres have all logged minutes for Atlanta United.
The Director of Methodology, a newly created position at Atlanta United, Javier Pérez spoke next.
"There are many kids, all around the world, that could only dream of being in a stadium like this," said Pérez after telling a story about how important soccer is to the kids back in his home country of Spain. "I hope you acknowledge and value the importance of being a part of Atlanta United."
Pérez went on to present the Christian Carrillo Award, created in honor of Carrillo who passed away in 2022. This year, the award went to U-18 player Matthew Dejianne. The recipient of the award exemplifies all the traits that Carrillo did - humble, hard worker, and being a good teammate.
As each team was called up to the stage by their respective head coach to officially commemorate the new season, a sense of camaraderie was in the air.
But this event was not just for the players and their families, but as for first team players. Daniel Ríos, forward for Atlanta United, attended the dinner. Ríos is no stranger to academy systems as a player that has not only played in Liga MX but as well as other MLS clubs. Ríos understands the importance of events like the dinner and what it does for the players.
"It is amazing to be around the kids and see how they are taken care of," said Ríos. "These are the types of events I wished to have as a kid, so it is great to see Atlanta (United) do this for them."
Ríos also said that as a player himself, one that years ago was just in the position the Academy players are now, it is key to use all the tools available. He stressed the advantage of having a community like the one Atlanta United has built.
The 2024 season is set to start on Saturday. As part of MLS NEXT’s fifth season, multiple changes were made to evolve the Pro Player Pathway. Beginning this year, MLS academies will move from U-15 and U-17 age group designations to U-16 and U-18 age group designations. The season opened on Sept. 7, with home openers at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta on Sept 14. Select matches from the home openers will be streamed live on \*\*ATLUTD.com/live\*
