Atlanta United Academy U18s will host their first-ever home match against Chargers Soccer Club on Saturday at Pace Academy Riverview Sports Complex. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. with gates opening at 11:30 a.m. All fans are encouraged to arrive early and tailgate for this historic milestone in the club’s history.

As the first MLS club to launch their academy before the first team takes the field, Saturday’s match will serve as a celebration of Atlanta United’s progress. The match is free to attend with general admission seating based on a first-come, first-served priority. However, with a limited capacity of 2,600, fans are encouraged to arrive early to ensure a spot.

The Academy U18s are off to an impressive start with a pair of shutout wins in their first two matches. They beat Carolina Rapids (4-0) and Charlotte Soccer Academy (1-0) during their opening weekend in North Carolina. They’ll take on Chargers Soccer Club Saturday before hosting IMG Academy on Sunday. Overall, the team is slated to play 11 games during the first semester of the 2016-17 US Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) season.

Atlanta United Academy also has U16s, U14s, U13s and U12s competing in USSDA competition. The U16s, who follow the same schedule as U18s, are also undefeated this season – beating Carolina Rapids (3-1) and Charlotte Soccer Academy (2-1). They’ll kick-off against Chargers Soccer Club on Saturday at 3 p.m. following the U18s match.

Pace Academy Riverview Sports Complex is located at 5700 Riverview Rd SE Mableton, Ga., 30126. Parking will be free, but also limited in space.

Media interested in attending the event need to RSVP with a member of the Atlanta United communications staff and can email: communications@atlutd.com.