Chattanooga FC is pleased to announce that Austin Bradley has signed an amateur player agreement with the club, a first of its kind in our history.
CFC offers MLS NEXT players the opportunity to train and play with its MLS NEXT Pro team. The opportunities are intended to give amateur players more exposure for skill development, professional training and a game-play environment. The agreement allows players to be fully rostered to the club's professional team.
Bradley has played for the club's MLS NEXT teams, an elite player development platform, since its inception in 2024.
His connection with CFC stretches back many years. Prior to joining MLS NEXT, Bradley joined the club in 2018 at the earliest player entry point, Chattanooga FC Youth's Pre-Academy Identification and Development Program.
Bradley grew up supporting CFC, regularly attending matches and used to be a ball boy/retriever on matchdays.
During his youth career journey, he has been coached by two former CFC players in Cameron Woodfin and current Interim Head Coach Richard Dixon. Bradley has played all positions, including goalkeeper, but primarily spent time as a striker or winger prior to joining MLS NEXT. During his time with MLS NEXT he has played as a left-back and left winger.
Bradley is a three-time Tennessee State League champion and three-time State League all tournament team member.Â
He is currently a freshman at McCallie School in Chattanooga.
"Austin is an incredible individual who has exemplified what this club and community are about," said MLS NEXT Director Miguel Rodrigues. "He works hard every day, leads by example and has consistently shown the character, humility, and commitment needed to reach this level. Having been with the club since he was very young, this moment is a reflection of the dedication he has shown throughout his journey. I’m excited for him as he takes this next step in his career, and I look forward to seeing his continued development in the first team environment."
Dixon coached Bradley for two and a half years from U9-U12, so for Bradley to now be in a first-team training environment with him holds extra significance.
"This is a big moment for Austin and his family, so I'm super excited for him to get this opportunity," said Dixon. "If I got an opportunity like this when I was 15, who knows what would have happened? So we are really excited for him. He was always the kid you knew would be an absolute athlete with his frame and ability to stretch games. To see his growth over the last several years with his ability now on the ball, to not just break teams down by running in behind but to be able to combine behind and take teams on the dribble. It's been great to see him grow and develop and this is a big opportunity for him to get exposure to the next level, which will be difficult, but with his mindset, he will be ready for it."
Bradley added: "This opportunity means a lot to me since I've had Coach Richard coaching me since I was nine years old. All the people around me have been supporting me the whole way. I want to thank my family, all the coaches and staff. I'm blessed to have this opportunity."
