Atlanta United launched a new collection to celebrate 404 Day, or April 4 the annual date to celebrate all things Atlanta culture. The collection is available to purchase at our Atlantic Station Team Store.
To celebrate 404 Day, we asked three of our rising Homegrowns to model the collection. Noah Cobb, Caleb Wiley and Ajani Fortune have all risen through the Atlanta United Academy and play for the first team. They know what it's like to embody Atlanta culture, so we asked them what they love most about living in the city and what makes Atlanta United such an important part of the culture.
Favorite Atlanta Artist?
Lil Baby and the Migos.
Favorite Atlanta spot to hangout?
I really like the Beltine. When I first moved here that was the place me and my family went, so it’s always been special to me.
Favorite part of the Beltline?
I would say the little scooters, just going around the little BIRDs, or whatever brand they are, those are really fun – doing that with your family and friends, I really enjoy that.
How important would you say this club is to Atlanta?
I think very important. You can see the atmosphere at the games and the turnout of fans that come watch the games so I think, obviously, the fans really enjoy coming to the games, and I think the better we do the more into the games fans can get.
How big is it for you to be a part of this club?
For me it’s really big because, obviously, I’m not from here so this club has given me a home away from my hometown, so I really love being here and I don’t want to be anywhere else – I really enjoy it.
Favorite food spot in Atlanta?
Ponce City Market.
How important is it for you to be a Homegrown?
Really important. You know getting here with the Academy and then going to the second team and then to the first team, it’s a big honor. It’s what every Academy kid wants to do so to be able to represent them and to be able to represent the club at the first team level is really important and I enjoy it.
The Atlanta United class of Homegrowns has produced incredible talent. What's it like to be part of that?
It’s great, you know it’s always good to have a good group of young guys, especially coming into the team, you have friends you already know so you have a group that you’re hanging out with, feel comfortable with. So, I think it’s really good to have that group here. We’re all really good friends and we have really good chemistry with each other so it’s really good.
Favorite Atlanta artist?
Lil Baby.
Favorite Atlanta spot to hangout?
Virginia Highlands, Piedmont Park, the Beltline.
Favorite part of the Beltline?
There’s so many things to do, such a nice vibe on the Beltline on a nice sunny day. Such a fun place to go to and just hang out with your friends.
How important is it to be a part of this club?
It’s very important for me to be a part of this club. It’s a club that I grew up wanting to be a part of, so it’s very special for me and my family.
How important is the club to Atlanta?
Very huge, very important. I think the fans and the people of Atlanta really love the soccer, so it’s very important.
Favorite food spot in Atlanta?
There’s so many.
How important is it to you to be a Homegrown?
I think for us to start in the Academy and make our way up, we learn a lot throughout the whole journey. So, for us to finally be up here with the big guys is a very special moment for us. I only wish the best for the rest of the Homegrowns and to keep on doing greatness.
Favorite Atlanta artist?
Probably the Migos.
Favorite Atlanta spot to hangout?
I’d say the Benz, probably, but if not, somewhere in Midtown. I like the Beltline too.
Favorite part of the Beltline?
Just the vibes, the energy that’s over there to chill.
How important is it to be a part of this club?
It’s really important. I’ve been here since the Academy and they’ve shown a lot of faith in me, so I think to just be here, and the success and history that they have is a great accomplishment.
How big is the club to Atlanta?
I think the club is a pretty big part of Atlanta and the fans are too. It’s a great family that we have, the 17s, and when you think of Atlanta you think ATL which is a big thing to have.
Favorite food spot in Atlanta?
Cava.
How important is it to you to be a Homegrown?
You know I’m really grateful for it, and it’s really exciting because I know there’s been a lot of great Homegrowns to come through this system and to be classified as one of those is a great thing, so I’m really happy to be part of it.
What your relationship with other Homegrowns, like Noah and Caleb?
They’re cool guys, right around my age. So we’re always chilling and hanging out. Just to see all of us grow together is a great thing and it’s always great being around them.
