Atlanta United Academy U-19 team joins UPSL

Los Angeles, CA – The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) announced Wednesday that Atlanta United Academy has joined the league. Based in Marietta, GA the club will be part of the UPSL’s highly-competitive, Georgia Premier Division beginning this fall.

Atlanta United Academy is operated by Atlanta United FC (MLS), and serves as a developmental tier in the franchise’s academy system.

“We are excited to have our U-19 team join the UPSL this upcoming season,” said Atlanta United Academy Director Matt Lawrey. “The UPSL offers a high-level of competition which will allow our players to grow and reach their maximum potential. My staff and I look forward to an exciting season and are eager for this new opportunity to help develop our players.”

The Academy program has a strong leadership team in place led by Lawrey. The U-19 team is coached by Jose Silva.

UPSL Commissioner Yan Skwara said: “We are thrilled to welcome MLS’ Atlanta United Academy to the UPSL. Atlanta United is a first-class organization and they our joining our league at a time when the Georgia Premier Division is mature and extremely competitive. It is a great source of pride that the USPL will be serving such a pivotal role in the club’s player development strategy.”

Atlanta United FC was founded in 2014 and played its first game on March 5, 2017. In its second year of play, the club beat the Portland Timbers to win the MLS Cup.

The club will host its home games at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground located at 861 Franklin Road SE, Marietta, GA 30327. The team begins its regular season schedule this Saturday, August 28th at 7pm with an away match versus Augusta United FC. The match will be streamed live on Eleven Sports.