Atlanta United’s academy squads have captured the adidas adiCup 3v3 street‑soccer regional championship in Atlanta, securing a spot in the tournament’s Grand Final that will be staged in New York. The victory, achieved in June 2024, came after a dominant 5‑1 record against ten opponents, including professional‑club affiliates Charlotte FC and Sporting Jax.
The team featured five Academy players — Gonzalo Riveras, Keven Medrano, Evan Coffing, Dennis Totev and Miles Bryant — who were guided by U‑14 coach Bruno Ramos and U‑16 mentor Colby Childress. Riveras sealed the regional crown with a decisive one‑on‑one golden‑goal finish.
Coaching Vision and Methodology
Director of Methodology Javier Perez, who helped select the resilient, well‑rounded group, has long advocated for a hybrid model that blends formal academy structure with the improvisational freedom of street play. He argues that the 3v3 format forces youngsters to think creatively under pressure, a principle that aligns with his belief in balancing organization and creative freedom.
Perez’s philosophy was on display when he explained that street soccer’s affordability and inclusivity allow more players to experience the kind of high‑tempo, expressive environment that traditional 11‑a‑side training often lacks. He cited French stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé as products of that culture, emphasizing how informal play can shape resilient, expressive athletes.
A Global Stage Awaits
The partnership with adidas, branded as the adiCup, not only provided the competition platform but also rewarded the champions with tickets to the FIFA 2026 World Cup Final in New York, turning a regional triumph into a global opportunity for the academy prospects.
Beyond the trophy, the experience offered players like Keven Medrano, Evan Coffing, Dennis Totev, Miles Bryant and Rayan Cherki a chance to test themselves against over 40 teams from regional qualifiers in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York and Houston. The fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment exposed them to street‑soccer dynamics that will shape their development pathways.
Tracy Wolf, who coordinates the Regional Development School, and the club’s brand‑marketing team supported the initiative, underscoring Atlanta United’s commitment to innovative player growth that balances structure with creative freedom.