OUR STORY

Atlanta Football Club (Atlanta FC) was established to provide a structured, professional youth soccer environment built on development, consistency, and high‑level coaching. We recognize the significant role clubs play in shaping a child’s experience in the sport, and we are committed to ensuring that experience is positive, purposeful, and growth‑oriented.


Co‑founded by Carlos Bocanegra, former U.S. Men’s National Team captain and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, Atlanta FC is guided by leadership with deep experience at the highest levels of the game. Bocanegra’s career across top leagues in the U.S. and Europe, along with his executive tenure helping build Atlanta United into a championship‑winning club, informs our standards for player development, coaching methodology, and club culture. His vision reinforces our commitment to creating an environment where young athletes can grow with clarity, professionalism, and long‑term support.


Atlanta FC operates an elite, boutique development model that combines the standards of a professional academy with the personal attention of a smaller, focused club, more in line with European youth club training. Our long‑term curriculum, one‑team‑per‑coach model, and consistent training methodology create a clear, age‑appropriate pathway for every player.


Atlanta FC is grounded in respect, commitment, teamwork, and courage—values that guide how we train, compete, and help young athletes grow through the sport.

Mission

To offer a structured youth soccer environment that develops players through purposeful coaching, supportive guidance, and long term commitment—strengthened by open, transparent communication with families to keep everyone aligned.

Philosophy

We believe in a consistent approach that encourages players to stay committed, stay disciplined, and keep progressing—building confidence, strong habits, and a lasting connection to the sport.

Values

Respect. Commitment. Teamwork. Courage. These principles guide how we train, compete, and conduct ourselves—setting the expectations for players, coaches, and the club as a whole.

LEADERSHIP

DIRECTORS

Liam Curran,
Director of Goalkeeping

Liam Curran currently serves as a Goalkeeping Coach for the U.S. Youth National Teams.

Liam spent the last nine years coaching with Atlanta United FC having joined the club in 2016. Starting out as Head of Academy Goalkeeping and ATL UTD 2 Goalkeeper Coach, Liam was promoted to First Team Goalkeeper Coach for the 2020 MLS Season.


Before his time with Atlanta United, Liam was an Assistant Coach with Clemson University (2012-2016), University of Akron (2010-2011), and Georgia Southern University (2007-2009).


ACHIEVEMENTS & HONORS

  • U.S. U18 Men’s National Team
  • UEFA Friendship Cup Champions
  • Atlanta United FC
  • MLS Cup Playoffs
  • CONCACAF Champions League
  • MLS All-Star Homegrown Game Coaching Staff
  • USSDA U16 National Champions
  • Clemson University
  • NCAA National Championship Finalist
  • ACC Tournament Champions
  • University of Akron
  • NCAA National Champions
  • MAC Tournament Champions

CONSULTANTS

Dr. Ryan Alexander, High Performance Director


With over a decade of elite experience in professional and international sport, Dr. Ryan Alexander has consistently pursued roles that challenge both personal growth and industry standards. After earning his PhD in Sport Physiology from East Tennessee State University, Ryan joined the U.S. Soccer Federation, becoming the first full-time Fitness Coach and Sports Scientist for the Women’s Youth National Teams. He supported the U20 Women’s National Team during their 2014 World Cup journey in Canada, then transitioned to the Senior Men’s National Team in 2015 under Jurgen Klinsmann, where he served as Sports Scientist.

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During his tenure with U.S. Soccer, Ryan worked across the full development spectrum—from age 13 to the senior level—supporting over 20 coaching staffs and gaining hands-on experience with hundreds of the country’s top soccer talents. In 2016, he accepted the opportunity to become the founding Director of High Performance at Atlanta United FC. Over eight seasons, he helped build the club’s performance culture from the ground up, contributing to its 2018 MLS Cup championship and 2019 U.S. Open Cup title.

 

While Ryan’s roots are deep in the world of soccer, his performance expertise extends across multiple sports, helping athletes unlock their full potential through data-driven strategies and unwavering standards of excellence. Ryan has also served as support for athletes participating in additional sports like baseball, softball, track & field, cross country, football (NCAA & NFL), volleyball indoor and beach), basketball, tennis, lacrosse, golf and swimming.

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At the core of Ryan’s work is a relentless commitment to excellence and innovation, driven by a desire to elevate everyone around him. His focus isn’t on accolades or outcomes, but on embracing the joy found in the process of growth. For Ryan, true success is measured not just in achievements, but in the shared experience of progress. When we learn to value that journey together—we all win.