Ahead of a new season, new opportunities, new horizons, Atlanta United brought its Academy together to celebrate.
On the pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the club hosted the 2025 Academy Dinner presented by Truist with speakers, activities, honors and much more. The venue was a fitting location, the very same field that Academy players a dream of playing on as First Team players.
Since its inception, the Atlanta United Academy has provided players of all age groups a platform to develop their skills and pursue a career in professional soccer. The U13, U14, U15, U16 and U18 teams kick off their seasons in the fall, similar to the European soccer calendar.
Last season was one to remember for the Academy. Numerous players made their professional debuts with Atlanta United 2, and four of the five teams won their league regular season title. Wednesday night's dinner was a precursor to the 2025-2026 season, a reason to honor past accomplishments and motivate future achievement.
The night was as much a celebration of the Academy players as it was a time to give thanks to their families, the backbones of their footballing careers. Everyone dressed to impress, and fit pics were abundant.
Attendees had plenty to do throughout the night. Atlanta United placed a phone booth out on the pitch for Academy players to record messages to their future selves. Parents could also record messages for their kids that they'll be able to hear later in the year.
Many were drawn to the soccer tennis nets in the corners or the full-size goal in front of The Gulch — yes, even in full formalwear. Atlanta United's 2018 MLS Cup was out on display for photos. For the gamers, EAFC matches were loaded up inside the Delta Sky360 Club.
The event was all about giving attendees a taste of the authentic Atlanta United experience. Players and families were also able to tour the First Team locker room, taking in the full matchday setup just as the players do.
The lineup was full of illuminating guest speakers, including Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson, Director of Methodology Javier Perez and more. The night was hosted by Mike Conti and Jason Longshore, Atlanta United's radio voices.
Conti kicked off the evening with introductions and remembered when he met Dominik Chong Qui at a previous academy dinner. Then, Chong Qui was one of many Academy players, and now he stands as a role model and a First Team Homegrown player.
"Savor your accomplishments," Conti said. "Savor the moment. Savor the hard work that got you here."
Henderson was next to speak, drawing on his experience rising the ranks of his club and national teams. He told a story about when he decided to train every single day for three years after not getting playtime in a tournament.
"Talent will open the door, but hard work, humility, discipline, that will keep you in the room." Henderson said. "Every training session, every match, every moment is a chance to grow. Don't fear mistakes, embrace them."
Perez followed with his updates on the health of the Academy system and guidance for his players. He announced, among other accomplishments, that Academy player Gabriel Wesseh was named MLS NEXT Pro's Rising Star of the Month in for August.
The Director of Methodology swears by three key facets of evaluation, character and skill being the first two. The third, he argues, is one that not everyone expects.
"We look for support, it's probably the most important factor," Perez said. " ... I want to thank the parents, the tutors. We thank you for all the effort that you make."
Perez shouted out the First Team players in attendance, including Will Reilly, Jay Fortune, Matt Edwards, Chong Qui, Brad Guzan and more. Guzan was up next to dish out advice to the Academy — who better to speak than Atlanta United's most capped player?
"Somebody in this stadium tonight is going to represent Atlanta United," Guzan said. "What you guys need to do is ask yourselves, 'why can't that be me?' This room is full of potential, progress, and passion for the game."
Will Bates, head coach of the U16s, shared his words of wisdom and Matthew Freimuth, Market President at Truist, spoke as well. Next, they played a special video from Atlanta United's First Team Homegrown players. Reilly, Fortune, Chong Qui, Edwards, Adyn Torres, Ashton Gordon and Luke Brennan provided encouragement and advice for the onlooking Academy players:
Perez came back up on stage to announce the Christian Carrillo Award, named after an Atlanta United academy goalkeeper who tragically passed away February of 2022 in a car crash. Jonathan Ransom won the award, and his parents accepted it on his behalf while he's away with the Canada U-20 team.
Every player in attendance had the chance to walk the stage and hear their name called as members of the Academy rosters, as each coach came up to announce their team's roster. Players received a gift bag with a commemorative mini Golden Spike which they signed and were able to keep as a memento for the 2025 season.
Guzan's closing remarks were a great cap to his speech and a fitting message for the Academy heading into a new season.
"The journey is just starting ... Enjoy the journey."
