Atlanta United today announced the launch of its United Juniors Development Training Program. The program, beginning in February 2018, will give players born 2009, 2008, and 2007 the opportunity to train under the Atlanta United Academy staff at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground.
The United Juniors program is designed to identify youth players and enhance development earlier than the U-12 level. Players selected to the program will train with the Atlanta United Academy staff weekly from February – May 2018.
Atlanta United Academy staff will work with club directors and coaches from youth teams across Georgia to select players to join the United Juniors Training Program. Once selected, players will remain an active player with their own youth club while receiving additional development from Atlanta United’s Academy staff.
“This is a great way to help develop young players without taking them away from the clubs and their teams at such a young age,” said Atlanta United Academy Director Tony Annan. “We look forward to working with coaches from Georgia youth soccer clubs to help enhance player development and assist with coaching education. Directors and coaches of clubs choosing to participate in the United Juniors Program will be eligible for workshops and coaching education programs.”
The Juniors Program is another milestone for Atlanta United’s Academy, which has reached unprecedented levels of success since launching in 2016. Last season the U-16 team won the National Championship after taking down perennial youth powerhouse and defending champion FC Dallas and the U-18s finished with the No. 1 overall record in the country, losing just twice in 30 regular season matches en route to winning the Southeast Division. Finally, the Academy produced six players who signed professional contracts, including 17-year-old Andrew Carleton, who has already made his MLS debut.
For more information on the United Juniors Training Development Program or the Soccer Development Partner Program, enquire with your club Director or visit www.ATLUTD.COM/ACADEMY.
