At the core of Atlanta United’s Academy is developing its players and helping them move up to the professional level. That was one of the reasons why the U-17 and U-19 teams switched from evening to morning training sessions at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground a few years ago.
The earlier time period allowed Academy players the opportunity to train with those on Atlanta’s first and second teams. However, training from 9-11 a.m. severely disrupts a normal school day for a high schooler. The athletes needed flexible schooling that would coincide with their busy soccer schedule.
After facing this challenge for years, Atlanta United has worked with Atlanta International School to create a unique educational program for the high school aged players in the club. The program will provide a strong academic curriculum through a hybrid setting that will support each players’ club commitments. Registered students will begin classes with AIS in August 2023.
“The relationship with AIS got created from this idea of making sure to push our players on the field, while still giving them the best education off the field in a flexible environment,” Atlanta United Academy Director Matt Lawrey said. “We’re really excited about the opportunity to do that.”
Atlanta International School, a private, non-profit school for 3K – Grade 12, had everything Atlanta United was looking for in a school for its players. AIS was knowledgeable about the city and a part of the same Southern culture as the club, and the international aspect fit perfectly with the diversity found among the players on each team.
With this educational program, AIS will provide challenging academic classes for the Academy players through a hybrid system that will work for them. AIS teachers will come to the Training Ground to teach some classes in person, while players can attend others virtually. Classes will also be recorded to be viewed later, in the case that a…
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