Atlanta United's 2026 Academy Dinner kicks off new season, celebrates achievements

A new venue for an not-so-new celebration made, Atlanta United's 2026 Academy Dinner presented by Truist one to remember. The annual tradition, one where the club's young talents gather with families and friends to celebrate accomplishment and toast to more of them. 

This year, Georgia Aquarium hosted for a unique environment. Guests perused beluga whales, manta rays and many other marine creatures in the Ocean Ballroom ahead of proceedings. The club's MLS Cup trophy, an ice sculpture and other photo opportunities for the folks in attendance made for a memorable evening. 

After being served dinner, hosts Mike Conti and Jason Longshore got things going. The club's radio broadcasters have emceed many Academy dinners over the years, and they still relish the opportunity to celebrate what Longshore called the "DNA of what Atlanta United is, the Academy."

Arthur M. Blank Sports & Entertainment Mauricio Culebro, who was attending his first Academy Dinner since joining the club last spring, spoke to attendees about how vital they are. He gave credit not only to the players, but to their support systems: parents, coaches, training staff.

Culebro may still be early on into his tenure with the 5-Stripes, but he comes with an understanding of the Academy's role in a successful club ecosystem. 

"Great clubs do not simply acquire talent, great clubs develop talent," Culebro said. "They identify potential. They create the right environment. They invest time, resources and they believe in young people. They help players understand what it takes to get to the highest level. That is why the Academy is not just one part of Atlanta United. It is a cornerstone of the club."

Matt Freimuth, Market President at Truist, remarked on his experience as a youth sports coach and how proud he is to see the success of the Academy and its members. 

Academy graduates from Atlanta United's First and Second Teams were in attendance, a lengthy list of some of the brightest talents the 5-Stripes' Academy has produced: Cooper Sanchez, Jay Fortune, Matthew Edwards, Will Reilly, Luke Brennan, Dominik Chong Qui, Santiago Pita, Ignacio Suarez-Couri, and Jonathan Ransom. It's a crop of Homegrown players who paid their dues and are now playing professional football, paving the way for the next wave of Academy players to do the same.

Perhaps the most-shouted-out person in the room, Jay Fortune stood as the shining example of the club's development pipeline. Originally from North Carolina, Fortune moved away from his family to join the Academy and worked his way into Atlanta United 2. He eventually captained the side and has now carved out a significant role with the First Team, signing an extension to stay with the club until 2030. 

Fortune gave his perspective on what it takes to get to the top level, one where he analyzed his journey and gave the onlooking Academy players sage wisdom from someone who has been in their shoes. 

"During my time in the academy, I went through some of the toughest moments, both mentally and physically," Fortune said. "There were times where I doubted whether or not I would accomplish my dream of playing for the first team. But even with those difficult moments, you guys are going to experience some of the most fun you'll ever have growing up. Traveling on the team bus, staying in hotels for tournaments, scoring goals and celebrating with your teammates on the sideline — those are the memories that you'll carry with you to the very end. Please, don't let these moments pass without appreciating them."

The midfielder's speech was a crowd favorite of the evening, mixing a hopeful message with mature, grounded advice. 

"The habits you develop, waking up early, following routines, preparing properly, being responsible, and showing up consistently will help you become a better player," Fortune said. "But more importantly, they will help you in school, work, relationships and whatever career path you guys choose to have. Discipline, preparation, responsibility, and consistency do not guarantee success, but it is very difficult to succeed without them."

Atlanta United's Director of Methodology, Javier Perez, took his speaking opportunity to look back at last season's successes. The U-13 side won MLS NEXT Cup, the U-16 side won Generation adidas cup, and a club best four teams qualified for the playoffs of the MLS NEXT season.

Perez acknowledged some standouts in the Academy, the First Team debutants, the college signees, the many success stories of the past season and calendar year. He took time to remember Christian Carrillo and hand out the award in his namesake. The former Academy player passed in a tragic accident in 2022.

This year's winner of the award was Seyi Fakiyesi, a U-18 player who has been with the Academy for seven years, thanked his support systems and expressed his honor to be given the award in Christian's honor.

The dinner is always one to dish out flowers for the people who make the Academy special. It's also a one-stop shop for motivation, words to carry into a new season of competition and excellence. 

"When I look around this room, I do not just see Academy players," Culebro said. "I see the future of our club, I see the future of our sport and I see future leaders in our community. Our responsibility as a club is to give you every opportunity to reach your potential. Your responsibility is to make the most of that opportunity."