OVERVIEW
Alabama FC’s Academy Program provides a developmentally appropriate soccer environment for kids to make optimal developmental gains as soccer players, have fun and return to play soccer next year.
We strive to develop players with mastery of fundamental soccer skills who have a solid foundation of basic soccer decision-making. Accomplishing this goal creates players with the foundation necessary to compete at the next level of play.
The Academy has rolling enrollment throughout the fall and spring so your son or daughter can join at any time.
For more information, contact Academy Manager Josh Hurst at Josh@Alabamafc.org
Academy Purpose:
Increase player retention, increase player enjoyment, and improve player development.
WHY & HOW
- 75% of kids quit youth sports as they become teenagers because it's not fun and/or they dislike their coach
- Individual development prioritized over team progress
- Success measured through individual execution of trained skills & concepts
- No fixed rosters: Pool system utilized.
- Easy roster movement to reward player improvement
- Alabama FC teaches 3 core values: Respect, Discipline, & Grit
DETAILS
- Academy pools coached by licensed, professional coaches specializing in ages 7-12
- Pool training allows for players of all levels to train and compete at a level that suits each player while allowing flexibility for player growth and development.
- 2 training sessions per week, & optional skills night participation
- Play dates 2-3 weekends per month; 1-2 tournaments/ASA Showcases per season
- Academy Uniform + Training Uniform required
- 2 Seasons, 1 price! Fall Season: Aug. - Nov. Spring season: late Jan. - early May • 2 training locations - north and south
2026/2027 ACADEMY EVALUATIONS
Ongoing. You are welcome to join at any time.
NORTH & SOUTH
May 13th & 14th (U8-U11)
ALABASTER
May 12th & 13th (U12-U19)
May 14th & 15th (U8-U11)
NORTH
Location:
North-Rathmell Sports Park
3576 East Street, Birmingham, AL 35243
SOUTH
Location:
South-Dunnavant Valley Fields
19220 Highway 280 East, Birmingham, AL 35242
ALABASTER
Location:
Veterans Park Alabaster
7305 Highway 119, Alabaster, AL 35007
Age Group Calculator
Enter player birth date to find their group for the upcoming season.
Reference: Age Groups & Birth Dates
| Group | Program | Birth Date Range |
|---|
FAQS
How often are practices?
Two team sessions a week with optional training sessions available including Friday finishing, SAQ, and GK training.
Where are practices?
- North academy at Rathmell Park
- South academy at DVF
- Alabaster academy at Veterans Park
When are games?
Games are typically played each weekend with some games on weeknights.
How much travel is involved?
- Most league games are in the greater Birmingham area. There may be some travel involved for tournament play.
- U8 and U9 age groups travel is very limited.
How does the pool system work?
Players within an age group will train together and will be divided based on ability with each session and for matches on the weekend.
Why do you use the pool system in academy?
The pool system allows for player movement based on development during the year. It also allows more flexibility for players to participate in activities outside of soccer by increasing ease of roster movement for matches.
