Atlanta United's Academy teams head to California for MLS NEXT Fest

The U-15s, U-16s and U-17s are set to represent the 5-Stripes at the inaugural MLS NEXT Fest in Norco, California, Friday, Dec. 3 through Tuesday, Dec. 7.

The 5-day event, which will feature 300 of the best youth teams across the U.S. and Canada, is an opportunity for North America’s top prospects to be seen by college, national team and professional coaches.

Atlanta United is one of the 45 Academies across the U-15 and U-17 age groups that will compete in the Generation adidas Cup Qualifiers to determine seeding in next year’s Generation adidas Cup.

After posting an 8-2-1 (W-D-L) record in local and regional play thus far, the U-15s drew Houston, CF Montréal and LA Galaxy in Group B. They’ll open the weekend against the Galaxy on Friday.

The U-17s (9-1-2) will face the San Jose Earthquakes on Friday, followed by the Philadelphia Union who they defeated 2-1 earlier this season. Columbus Crew round out the group and the fixtures for the age group.

The U-16s will feature in the Showcase portion of the event and play three matches. They finished the fall season with a perfect 10-0-0 record and look to build on it against Cedar Stars Academy, Miami Kendall Rush SC and De Anza Force.

In addition to the Showcases and Generation adidas Qualifiers, players will be eligible for selection to the MLS NEXT Best Of matches on Saturday and Sunday nights, providing an additional platform for the event’s top players.

The full schedule and results for all teams can be found at mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.