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Behind the Stripes

James Brighton

By Atlanta United FC

April 7^th, 2017

“I’ve always had the goal of reaching MLS, hopefully before college, and this Academy has given me the opportunity to do so.”

-James Brighton

Leaving home to chase a dream of becoming a professional soccer player is not something a normal 16-year-old would do, but for James Brighton and his family, his move to Atlanta was a no-brainer.

His parents watched him grow up with the ball at his feet, so when he decided to leave his hometown of Hilton Head, South Carolina to live with a host family in order to pursue his greatest aspirations, they gave him full support.

Fast forward almost two years and the journey James once embarked on has taken him down a path he never could have imagined.

“Being able to see the first team train every day and watch them walk into the locker room makes me want to be with them even more and it pushes me harder to try to get there.”

The Atlanta United Academy is built to provide the highest level of youth competitive soccer with a focus on developing young talent to their full potential.

As a striker for the Atlanta United U-16 team, he travels around the United States going head to head with other MLS academies and teams from around the world. This gives James and his teammates the opportunity to be challenged at an elite level on a regular basis, playing a crucial role in youth development.

“Soccer is my passion and I love it. I don’t know what I’d do without it."

James's motivation to make it to the next level is stronger than ever. He looks up to first team striker Josef Martinez and hopes to emulate him on the field.

“Everything that I have been working hard for is finally starting to pay off and I’m getting recognized for it.”

During his first visit back with his family since moving to the ATL, James received an unexpected phone call which would result in an unforgettable opportunity. The head coach of Atlanta United, Tata Martino, invited James and a few select Academy players to join the first team for their inaugural preseason.

In their two weeks in Florida, they were welcomed with open arms by the players and the coaches. While there, he experienced first-hand what it’s like to be a professional player.

“In training and when we were playing I wasn’t 16, I was just on the team.”

The sessions were tougher than he had ever endured, but he says it was thrilling to be exposed to the caliber of the players, coaches and the environment

“I had no idea that going to preseason was even in the conversation. It was really a surprise, but it was a great surprise to be able to go down there with them.”

The intimacy between the Academy and first team is a unique aspect of the club, cherished by those in the red, black and gold. The opportunity to share facilities and train with professionals is a valuable asset for aspiring young players.

“Atlanta has really united around our first team and giving all that support is extremely special. I don’t think that any other cities have it like this.”

Though not a native of Atlanta, James is falling in love with the city and the way the people of the ATL have rallied behind the club. It's difficult to predict how a team will be received in its first year, but it's safe to say the expansion side is fortunate to call Atlanta home.

With more than 30,000 season tickets sold, and over 100,000 fans in combined attendance through their first two home matches, Atlanta has staked its claim as a soccer hub in the South.

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