Everything you need to know about MLS NEXT Fest 2022 

The MLS NEXT Fest is back! The second-ever installment of the tournament is set to go down from Dec. 2-8 in Indio, California. More than 400 of the top youth teams from the U.S. and Canada, including three age groups representing Atlanta United, will take part in the seven-day event that serves as an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of college, national team, and professional scouts and coaches.

How does it work?

MLS NEXT Fest will feature three separate competitions and include six different age groups. Atlanta United will be competing in three age groups: U-15, U-16, and U-17.

The U-15s and U-17s will feature in the Generation adidas Cup qualifiers. Results from these matches will determine seeding for next year's Generation adidas Cup, held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

The U-16s, meanwhile, will participate in the MLS NEXT Fest Showcase. Players from this showcase are also eligible to be selected for MLS NEXT Fest Best Of matches. Selected players will compete against one another across four games scheduled from Dec. 4-6.

Who’s Atlanta United playing?

Let’s start with the U-17s. They’ll begin the festivities on Dec. 2 by going up against LAFC, followed by Sporting Kansas City on Dec. 3, and then Irvine Strikers FC on Dec. 5.

Now, onto the U-16s. The group led by former ATL UTD midfielder Kevin Kratz will begin by facing IMG Academy on Dec. 3, followed by FC United Soccer Club on Dec. 4, and concluding with a match against San Diego City SC on Dec. 6.

The U-15s will kick off their weekend facing Austin FC on Dec. 4, and will follow it up with a game against Seattle Sounders on Dec. 6 before ending the event against Real Salt Lake on Dec. 7.

The full schedule including kick-off times is below: