ATLANTA – The Richmond Kickers’ Griffin Garnett led a contingent of seven players from USL League One, USL League Two and the USL Championship that on Thursday were named by U.S. Soccer for its U-20, U-19 and U-18 Men’s National training camp scheduled for January 10-16 at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.

Garnett was named to the U-20s roster having made 42 appearances and logged 3,197 minutes in USL League One over the past two seasons, during which time he moved onto a professional contact after graduating from the Kickers’ Academy. The 19-year-old was nominated for the League One Young Player of the Year award in 2024 and in his career has logged 101 recoveries, 32 interceptions, 174 clearances and 22 blocked shots while winning 117 duels at a 56.2 percent success rate and 37 tackles at a 63.8 percent success rate.

Garnett is joined on the U-20s by fellow Kickers Academy alum Nicholas Simmonds, who recorded one goal in 12 appearances for the Kickers as a USL Academy signing before joining the University of Virginia this past fall. Simmonds and Garnett are the first Kickers Academy alums to receive call-ups to the United States U-20 Men’s National Team.

After heading to Virginia, Simmonds recorded 10 goals and five assists as a freshman for the Cavaliers before being selected in December by FC Dallas with the No. 3 pick of the 2025 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. He is also among five players with USL League Two experience named in the U-20s squad, with New England FC goalkeeper Ryan Carney and defender Jamie Kabuusu, West Chester United SC defender Daniel Krueger and Minneapolis City SC midfielder Ian Shaul also named in Head Coach Rob Valentino’s squad.

Former North Carolina FC defender Finn Sunstrom – who was recently transferred to the Philadelphia Union – was also named to the U-20s squad.

Recently signed Charleston Battery forward Colton Swan was also called up to the United States U-19s squad to be led by Gonzalo Segares ahead of his first season in the USL Championship. Previously a member of the United States U-18s, Swan signed with the Battery on Wednesday after earning All-Big Ten First Team honors with three goals and two assists in 608 minutes for Indiana University this past fall.

“We’re excited to utilize the January camp to evaluate this group of players in a combined environment,” said Barry Pauwels, Head of Development for Men’s Youth National Teams. “The national team provides a unique platform that complements the daily club environment, enabling us to accelerate player development by supporting each individual within the specific context of their journey.”