Atlanta United Youth Programs — RDS and Camps

Atlanta United’s youth offer spans two quite different purposes: beginner-friendly camps and clinics, and the selective Regional Development School (RDS). The club says Kickstart camps accept ages 5–14 from beginner through experienced levels at more than ten metro-area sites. Kickstart Clinics serve ages 5–15 at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. RDS is for advanced players, with tryouts required each season; the current age ranges are boys 7–14 and girls 7–16. A family should decide whether it wants a short skills experience or supplemental high-level training before choosing a registration form.

The nearest specifically dated option at the time of review is Training Ground Takeover, a full-day event for all abilities ages 8–16. Atlanta United lists a three-day choice from Nov. 22–24, 2026, for $400 and a four-day option from Nov. 21–24 for $500, both 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Activities include technical and tactical work, speed and agility, small-sided games, a final tournament and a tour; the Saturday package includes an academy match observation. The page says no tryout is required. It is an event, not the cost of a season-long academy place.

The training ground is at 861 Franklin Gateway SE in Marietta, northwest of central Atlanta. That location is in Cobb County, while the club’s broader camps and RDS identify several sites across metro Atlanta; the route here is only useful for programs assigned to the Training Ground. The club’s professional first team plays in Major League Soccer, the top U.S. men’s league, but the RDS remains an evaluated development program rather than a guarantee of entry into the Academy. Before paying, check the exact session location, age eligibility, cancellation terms and what gear is included. Public comments attached to the training venue describe the fields and staff, but they do not evaluate every youth class or coach.

For parents, the useful distinction is access: camps and clinics are the broad-entry side, while RDS asks players to try out for a specific location and season. The RDS fee page describes a $25 card hold for the tryout spot; the balance is processed only if the player is accepted. Seasonal sessions are weekly for 90 minutes, with blocks of eight weeks in fall, six weeks in each winter session and eight weeks in spring. Families should confirm the next enrollment window directly because tryout dates and location lists change.