Atlanta United Academy Tryouts 2027: How to Join, Get Scouted & Contact Coaches

Search Atlanta United Academy Coaches & Contacts

Does Atlanta United Academy Have Open Tryouts in 2027?

As of October 29, 2026, we could not verify an official public open tryout announcement for Atlanta United's MLS NEXT Academy teams for 2027.

The club identifies academy prospects through its scouting and youth development programs.

However, younger players have another option.

Atlanta United Regional Development School (RDS) Tryouts

Atlanta United operates a tryout-based Regional Development School for advanced youth soccer players.

RequirementDetailsProgramAtlanta United Regional Development SchoolEligible ages7–14EntryOpen tryoutTrainingSupplemental technical developmentCoachingAtlanta United youth development coachesAcademy spot guaranteed?No

All RDS players must try out each season, including players who participated previously.

During evaluations, players compete in small-sided games grouped by birth year.

The program is designed to supplement a player's existing club training, not immediately replace it.

View Official Atlanta United RDS Tryout Information

Does Making RDS Mean You Made Atlanta United Academy?

No.

RDS is a youth development program, not an MLS NEXT Academy roster spot.

However, Atlanta United has previously identified and promoted talented RDS players into its academy pathway.

Players may also be identified through the club's Futures program and scouting network.

The academy ultimately determines which players receive an invitation to join.

How to Get Scouted by Atlanta United Academy

Atlanta United Academy evaluates young players based on their technical ability, tactical understanding, physical development, decision-making, and potential.

If you're trying to join Atlanta United Academy:

1. Play competitive youth soccer. Seek strong training and meaningful match experience with an established club.

2. Attend RDS tryouts if age-eligible. The club offers an official entry point for advanced players ages 7–14.

3. Prepare recent match footage. Include clips showing your ability in real games, not just individual drills.

4. Identify your academy age group. Research the coaches working with players in your age category.

5. Perform consistently. Academy recruitment evaluates development potential, not just a single highlight.

6. Research appropriate scouting contacts. Parents or guardians can inquire professionally about legitimate identification opportunities.

An email or highlight video does not guarantee an academy invitation.

Atlanta United Academy Age Groups and Coaches

Atlanta United's official 2026–27 academy directory lists five MLS NEXT age groups.

Age GroupHead CoachAssistant CoachU13Colin HerlingerSkyler SchmidtU14Bruno RamosCarlyle JuniorU15Steven CovinoJoel McIlroyU16Colby ChildressJordan BellU18Steven TurekLuke Collins

These assignments are based on the club's published staff directory and may change for future seasons.

Atlanta United Academy U15 Coach

Steven Covino is listed as the U15 Head Coach, supported by assistant coach Joel McIlroy.

Players researching Atlanta United U15 tryouts should understand that this is an MLS NEXT youth academy team, not Atlanta United 2's professional roster.

Atlanta United Academy U16 Coach

Colby Childress is listed as the U16 Head Coach, supported by Jordan Bell.

The U16 team competes within Atlanta United's academy development structure.

Atlanta United Academy U18 Coach

Steven Turek is listed as the U18 Head Coach, supported by Luke Collins.

Older academy players may progress toward Atlanta United 2, college soccer, or other professional opportunities.

Atlanta United Academy Directors and Scouts

Players and parents researching academy recruitment should also understand the roles of the club's academy leadership and scouting staff.

NamePositionJavier PerezDirector of MethodologyMichael LynchHead Academy Development ScoutWill ClaytonAcademy ScoutKyle GookinsAcademy ScoutZack SchultzeGoalkeeper CoachBryce BillingtonAssistant Goalkeeper Coach

These staff members have different responsibilities within the academy.

For example, academy scouts are involved in identifying talent, while age-group coaches focus on training and developing players already within their teams.

Not every staff member is responsible for responding to unsolicited player inquiries.

View Official Atlanta United Academy Staff

How to Find Atlanta United Academy Coach Emails

Cancha Labs provides a searchable directory of soccer coaches, academy staff, and available professional contact information.

To search for Atlanta United Academy contacts:

1. Open the Cancha Labs search engine.

2. Search for Atlanta United Academy.

3. Review available coaching, academy leadership, and scouting staff listings.

4. Create an account and unlock available contact information with a Premium subscription.

Find Atlanta United Academy Coach Emails

Not every coach or scout has a listed email or phone number. Contact availability varies.

Parents and guardians should handle recruitment inquiries involving minors.

How Much Does Atlanta United Academy Cost?

Atlanta United Academy is free for selected players.

According to the club, academy players receive access to professional coaching, training facilities, equipment, uniforms, and other development resources.

This is different from the Regional Development School, which is a separate youth training program with its own enrollment and payment arrangements.

Players should not assume that paying for a camp or RDS participation guarantees an academy roster spot.

Where Does Atlanta United Academy Train?

Atlanta United Academy trains at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta, Georgia.

The academy shares the facility with Atlanta United's professional teams.

This gives young players access to a development environment that includes coaching, athletic training, sports science, and medical resources.

Atlanta United Academy vs. Atlanta United 2

Atlanta United operates several levels of player development.

Atlanta United Academy — MLS NEXT: Youth teams focused on identifying and developing talented young players.

Atlanta United 2 — MLS NEXT Pro: The professional development team where emerging players can gain professional match experience.

Atlanta United — MLS: The organization's Major League Soccer first team.

Joining Atlanta United Academy does not automatically guarantee a contract with Atlanta United 2 or the MLS first team.

However, the club's development structure is designed to help talented players progress between these levels.

Explore Atlanta United 2 Tryouts and Recruitment

How to Email Atlanta United Academy About Recruitment

If you're contacting an academy representative, keep the message concise and professional.

Subject: Atlanta United Academy Player Inquiry — [Birth Year] — [Position]

Hello Coach [Last Name],

My name is [Parent/Guardian Name], and I'm reaching out regarding my son, [Player Name].

He was born in [Birth Year] and currently plays for [Club and League] as a [Position].

We're interested in learning more about Atlanta United Academy's player identification process.

His playing background includes [Brief Relevant Experience], and we've included a recent match video below.

Highlight Video: [Link]

Would you be able to share whether there is an appropriate scouting or player evaluation process for his age group?

Thank you for your time.

[Parent/Guardian Name]

Only contact appropriate staff through legitimate professional channels. Do not send unnecessary personal information about a minor.

Atlanta United Academy Tryouts: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Atlanta United Academy have open tryouts?

The academy does not currently advertise public open tryouts for its MLS NEXT teams. Atlanta United's Regional Development School is a separate tryout-based program.

How do I join Atlanta United Academy?

Players may be identified through competitive youth soccer, Atlanta United's development programs, and academy scouting. The club determines who receives an invitation.

What ages does Atlanta United Academy accept?

The club's published 2026–27 teams include U13, U14, U15, U16, and U18 age groups.

Who is the Atlanta United Academy U15 coach?

Steven Covino is listed as U15 Head Coach.

Who is the Atlanta United Academy U16 coach?

Colby Childress is listed as U16 Head Coach.

Who is the Atlanta United Academy U18 coach?

Steven Turek is listed as U18 Head Coach.

How can I find Atlanta United Academy coach emails?

Search Atlanta United Academy on Cancha Labs to review available coaching and scouting staff contact information.

Is Atlanta United Academy free?

Yes. Atlanta United states that its academy is free for selected players.

Can I join Atlanta United Academy without playing RDS?

The academy also identifies players through scouting, so RDS should not be treated as the only possible route.

Does RDS guarantee a place in Atlanta United Academy?

No. RDS is a separate development program and does not guarantee academy selection.

Where is Atlanta United Academy located?

Atlanta United Academy trains in Marietta, Georgia, at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground.

Is Atlanta United Academy the same as Atlanta United 2?

No. Atlanta United Academy consists of youth development teams competing in MLS NEXT. Atlanta United 2 is the professional development team competing in MLS NEXT Pro.

Can Atlanta United Academy players become professionals?

Yes. The academy is designed to develop players who may progress toward Atlanta United 2, Atlanta United's MLS first team, or other professional opportunities.

Find Atlanta United Academy Coaches and Club Contacts

Whether you're researching Atlanta United Academy tryouts, U15 or U16 coaches, academy scouting, or MLS NEXT recruitment, understanding the club's development pathway is an important first step.

Younger players can explore Atlanta United's official RDS tryouts, while other prospects can focus on competitive youth soccer and legitimate academy scouting channels.

Explore Official Atlanta United RDS Tryouts

Cancha Labs also helps players and families search academy coaches and available contact information.

Browse Atlanta United Academy Coach Emails & Contacts

Last reviewed: October 29, 2026. Age-group assignments, recruitment procedures, and tryout availability can change. Cancha Labs is an independent contact research service and is not affiliated with Atlanta United FC, Atlanta United Academy, or MLS NEXT.