"This club means everything. I'm from here and it's our first MLS team. Soccer is something I have a passion for. To be able to wear the kit and be on the team for Atlanta United's inaugural season is amazing."
-Andrew Carleton
"Soccer is what I've always wanted to do. As a little kid I would picture myself being something special one day, and I didn't know what it was until I started playing soccer. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to be a professional player."
Atlanta United's first ever homegrown player, Andrew Carleton, has made his dream a reality. He grew up playing locally in Georgia, and went on to sign his professional contract for the newest franchise in MLS shortly before his 16th birthday.
Coming from a family that is in love with the game, soccer is all Andrew has ever known. All of his fondest memories and strongest relationships were formed through his experiences playing.
Like many other kids involved in the beautiful game, both of his younger brothers hope to follow in his footsteps and become a professional player one day.
"I would tell younger players to work hard, never give up, and believe in your dreams. You're the one that is in charge of where you want to go and you make that path for yourself. Don't let anybody tell you that you can't. Always believe in what you want to be and never let somebody steer you off that path."
Andrew is proud that he is able to lead the way and be a role model for youth players to look up to.
"I was on the way to soccer practice when Atlanta United was announced. I remember my mom said that we were given the franchise and I thought to myself 'Wow that would be crazy if I could play in my hometown professionally'."
What was once just an aspiration quickly became actuality. Andrew has always had the goal to play professional soccer, but to sign his first contract to a team in his hometown was something he never saw coming.
Ever since he officially signed for the club at the famous drive-in restaurant "The Varsity", the people of Atlanta have embraced Andrew. A special connection exists between hometown athletes and their city.
"It didn't hit me that I was going to become a professional soccer player until I stepped out on the field with the other professional players. My mind wasn't big enough to understand what that meant. It was so crazy to me that I couldn't bring it all in."
Andrew is very grateful for the opportunity he has been given. His goal for the inaugural season is to work as hard as he can and contribute to the team in every way possible.
"Whether I am cheering on guys from the bench or if I'm in the game and I score a goal, I will be there for my team."
Georgia is Andrew's home and he holds Atlanta dear to his heart. This club has given him the opportunity to pursue his passion for the game and take his city by storm.
© 2026 Atlanta United FC
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