Atlanta United’s Homegrown initiative has begun with the signing a U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team star.
Andrew Carleton was officially announced as Atlanta United’s first Homegrown Player on Thursday. The 15-year-old midfielder, who resides in Powder Springs, Georgia, will be added to the team’s roster as a Homegrown Player in 2017 after completing Homegrown Player training requirements.
“We’re excited to welcome Andrew to the club,” said Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra. “He’s an outstanding young talent with strong ties to Georgia soccer so we’re very proud to name him the first homegrown player in club history. Andrew has been a mainstay with the U.S. Youth National Teams from a young age and we look forward to watching him develop as a professional.”
Carleton began his international career with the U.S. Under-15s and is currently in residency with the U-17s. While with the U-15, Carleton scored seven goals in five matches in the 2015 Tournament delle Nazioni in Italy, while his run with the U-17s yielded a similarly impressive haul of two goals in four matches in the Mercedes-Benz Aegean Cup.
In addition to his international experience, Carleton was one of several Atlanta United prospects to join the Charleston Battery for camp earlier this year.
The midfielder is currently preparing for the Under-17 World Cup.
“As a new club coming into the league, it’s critical that we build a strong foundation with young, talented players from our home territory,” added Atlanta United president Darren Eales. “Andrew is a great example of the deep talent pool we have to draw from in Georgia. We’ve been very impressed with his athletic ability as well as his character off the field.”
With the signing, Carleton joins an Atlanta United roster that includes goalkeeper Alex Tambakis, striker Jeffrey Otoo and midfielder Junior Burgos.
What do you think of the signing? How will Carleton fare with Atlanta United?
Share your thoughts below.
Hopefully we don’t have a future issue like Yedlin, with solidarity payments.
What local club was he playing for before taking up at US Soccer academy? Has Crossfire Premier ever been paid for this?
Like what happened to the 14-15 y.o kid who RSL signed a while back as as their first pick.
What does this kid have that the other one didn’t?
He was almost a Freddy Adu level bust. Ended up in the PDL which is below even the USL.
I wish they’d let these kids follow their normal development path instead of trying to make them something they’re not just yet. Nothing good ever comes out of it.
What’s his “normal development path”? And why do you assume that ATL UTD will be doing anything not in the best interests of developing the kid to his greatest long-term potential? in fact, that’s absolutely in their best interest too.
Rob’s comment makes no sense but he can’t resist knocking MLS at every opportunity.
Rob literally never makes any sense. Not even sure he watches soccer… but I am sure he is always drunk and/or has a mental disability. (not making fun, just pointing out the facts)
@whamm hahahaha
Saw this kid on line at Us Soccer Nationals several years ago. Talent was obvious. Glad to see it didn’t diminish Jurgen?
Hard to be critical of any of the signings so far, but they still have the most important signings ahead of them: head coach and DPs.
Loads of raw talent and skill. Still very young but excited to see how he progresses.