Atlanta United’s first team isn’t the only group building toward the future. The club’s academy recently showcased its talent on a different stage, capturing the adidas adiCup Atlanta Regional title while embracing a style of soccer many of the world’s greatest players grew up playing.
For Atlanta soccer fans, it’s another reminder that player development isn’t confined to structured training sessions. Sometimes, the best lessons come from a smaller field, fewer players, and complete freedom to express creativity.
Atlanta United Wins adidas adiCup Atlanta Regional
Atlanta United participated in the nationwide adidas adiCup 3v3 street soccer competition throughout June and July, competing against clubs from across the country.
The tournament featured more than 40 teams across regional qualifiers in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, and New York City. Regional champions earned a spot in the Grand Final held in New York on July 19.
Atlanta United emerged victorious in the Atlanta Regional after winning five of six matches, defeating a competitive field that included teams representing Charlotte FC and Sporting Jax.
The Academy squad featured:
- Gonzalo Riveras
- Keven Medrano
- Evan Coffing
- Dennis Totev
- Miles Bryant
They were joined by Regional Development School Coordinator Tracy Wolf and Brand Marketing Manager Cameron Hall, making the tournament a true club-wide effort.
The team was coached by Bruno Ramos (U-14 Head Coach) and Colby Childress (U-16 Head Coach).
A Championship Built on Resilience
Atlanta’s title run wasn’t easy.
The championship match required extra time after the Five Stripes battled back from two deficits. The winner was ultimately decided in a dramatic 1v1 golden goal showdown.
Academy standout Gonzalo Riveras embraced the pressure.
“I just trusted my instincts… Since I’m more of a 1v1 player, I trusted my gut.”
His winning finish secured the regional championship—and much more than a trophy.
The victory earned the squad tickets to Atlanta’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt, while a Grand Final victory would have rewarded tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
Although Atlanta United fell short in New York, the experience allowed Academy players to compete against elite talent while experiencing the excitement surrounding the World Cup.
Street Soccer Meets Academy Development
For Atlanta United Director of Methodology Javier Perez, the tournament represented more than just another competition.
Perez believes the ideal player is developed through a balance of structured academy coaching and the freedom found in street soccer.
Instead of relying solely on organized training sessions, Atlanta’s academy has begun incorporating more relaxed, creative environments where players can experiment without fear of making mistakes.
According to Perez, modern youth soccer has become increasingly structured, making it important to recreate some of the creativity traditionally developed through informal pickup games.
Academy player Gonzalo Riveras immediately noticed the difference.
He explained that 3v3 soccer allowed him to touch the ball more often, attack defenders in one-on-one situations, and express his style of play in ways that differ significantly from the traditional 11v11 game.
Lessons Beyond the Pitch
U-16 head coach Colby Childress believes street soccer can also help solve one of American soccer’s biggest challenges: accessibility.
Because informal games require little more than a ball and two goals, the format removes many of the financial barriers often associated with organized youth soccer.
Childress pointed to several French stars—including Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, and Rayan Cherki—as examples of players whose creativity was shaped by countless hours playing informal street football.
Those experiences, he believes, help players discover their own identity long before they enter elite academies.
Community Spotlight: Supporting the Families Behind Atlanta’s Next Generation of Soccer Stars
Behind every young player chasing a dream is a family providing encouragement, transportation, and unwavering support. As Metro Atlanta’s youth soccer community continues to grow, local businesses also play an important role in helping families build strong foundations both on and off the field.
Atlanta Home Partners is proud to support Metro Atlanta soccer families by helping homeowners buy, sell, and invest in homes throughout the region. Whether it’s finding more space for a growing family, relocating to be closer to top youth soccer clubs, or preparing a home for the next chapter, Atlanta Home Partners is committed to helping families achieve their goals with trusted local expertise.
Learn more about Atlanta Home Partners and their real estate services by visiting Atlanta Home Partners.
What This Means
Atlanta United continues investing heavily in player development beyond traditional academy competition.
By encouraging creativity alongside tactical organization, the club hopes to produce players who can solve problems under pressure, adapt quickly, and express themselves confidently on the field.
As the academy continues producing talent for Atlanta United’s first team, initiatives like the adidas adiCup demonstrate that development isn’t only about winning matches—it’s about creating complete footballers.
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Join the Conversation
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Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.