ECNL, THE NATION’S PREMIER YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE, LAUNCHES 11TH SEASON WITH MORE THAN A LEAGUE PROGRAMING TO RAISE THE GAME FOR ALL PLAYERS

If you would like to know more about Alabama FC, ECNL or an opotunity for a tryout please contact our Director of Coaching Ben Parks [email protected]

 

 

 

 

The Soccer-Golf Tournament honors one of our former Altamont School and BUSA soccer players, Lily Rushton.

Lily lost her battle to brain cancer 10 years ago. During her treatment Coach Gibson and Coach Matt Kirkpatrick would go play Soccer-Golf with her as she could no longer play the game that she loved and was so good at. It was a time where she could escape and enjoy competing again. We started this event 1 year after she passed to honor her, raise awareness about pediatric cancer and provide an opportunity for other kids battling pediatric cancer to come join us. It has been a time for them to play and help celebrate life and take their minds off of the treatment.

It has been a great family event that many from all over the city attend. You do not have to be a soccer player or golfer to enjoy in the fun. There will be live music, food, prizes, and swag to give out.
In case you have not played soccer-golf before it is simply seeing how many kicks it takes to reach the hole. The person with the least kicks wins. For the tournament we will do best overall score per team.
Please see the attached flyer with more info. Please also help spread the word to anyone you think may be interested in joining us and let me know if you have any questions.

You can go to the following website to sign up:
https://www.altamontschool.org/athletics

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a little note from the heart.

 

Today is always a tough day for our country.  September 11, 2001, was a day that changed America in so many ways.  As someone whose step-dad was a fireman for over 20 years, I am always moved at the heroic sacrifices of so many on so many levels and was always drawn to miraculous stories of sacrifice, herculean heroism from police, fireman, first responders, and average men and women who just went to work that fateful day, not knowing what would transpire a few hours into a gorgeous sunny day in New York City.

 

As I sat today in my quiet time of daily reflections I cannot offer enough prayers, thoughts, well wishes that bring the lives back of so many who perished that day almost 20 years ago.  It burns to the core of my soul with vivid passion still to this day.  Each year the tributes are moving and stir raw emotions in my flesh as I yearn to want to help those affected by this life-changing tragedy that unfolded across America that fateful morning.

 

I remember vividly where I was, what I was wearing, watching it unfold on one of the only tv sets at the school I was teaching during my off period.  How in the world am I going to be able to verbalize what is going on to a group of 7th graders who will be in my midst in 30 minutes?  The words came and went and I am sure did not do enough justice to what had happened as we did not know how this would change our country and the world on so many layers and levels.

 

As I sit today and read stories I am always drawn to the story about the “man in the red bandana!”  If you have not read his account, you should, but in short, he was a former athlete, working a desk job in the upper towers who helped lead countless people to safety sometimes carrying people down 70 plus flights of stairs.  After leading them to safety he was not satisfied and went to get more people and more people, as, after the events, countless people remember the red bandana, a total stranger helping person after person be able to get to safety.  A few weeks after the collapse of the towers, they found his body, close to the exit on the bottom floor lobby, mere feet from safety, but he chose to help others and paid the ultimate sacrifice.  He is a hero and I believe there is a lot to learn as it relates to soccer, youth development and maybe even more importantly how we treat each other.

 

As you remember after the events of 9/11, unfolded there was a united front against terrorism.  People locked arm in arm regardless of gender, race, political affiliation, and united against a common cause but importantly united for a COMMON CAUSE to LOVE PEOPLE.  What has happened the past 4-5 years is a complete trillion steps backward in terms of getting away from this united front our country stood firm on, to serve one another, love another and make sure something like this does not occur on our soil ever again.

 

You may say why is a soccer director speaking on this subject because I powerfully believe it resonates to everything we do and we serve each other with regard to youth sports. soccer specifically and more importantly how we grow generational leaders for the future.  Here are four small outtakes:

 

1. Take time to get to know people, really listen to them, hear their heart and story.  You may not agree with their opinions but respect their journey

Soccer Take– That ref you are yelling at because he is tired, this is 6th game on a 99-degree day, well his wife has cancer and he is trying to pay his daughter’s college tuition.  What if that were your dad working to provide and he was tired and made mistakes would you yell at him because you feel entitled to have the best ref for your child?  Take time to respect everyone, each person comes from a history that defines them, it can be from a good place or just the opposite.  Nobody has to agree with everything, but they should learn and be taught to respect people from all walks of life in all situations, by hearing someone’s journey it may change the view from the chair in which you sit.

 

2. Take a breathe and enjoy the moment!

Soccer Take- Things did not go your child’s way in the game today and you are mad at the coach for not playing them more.  Most kids are using sports as a vehicle for growth, teachable moments and most love the journey of friends, competing, trips with the team, so before piping off that e-mail at 1:24 A.M on a Sunday take a break and smell the roses.  Your kid will not be playing soccer their whole life and will be graduating before you know it and you will miss seeing them play.  Time flies and as I watch this group of 02’s graduate this fall, I remember them when they were 7-8, the age of my son now, and time has flown by, take a break, step back and enjoy the kids and THEIR SOCCER EXPERIENCE!

 

3. Give Back to Others, especially people you do not know and especially when nobody is watching.

Soccer Take- =What is the legacy you leave when you hang up the boots as a player, coach or parent?  We need to encourage our youth players to make sure they leave a positive footprint from the game so that they can pass it onto others for future generations of success.   Encourage your child and you to find your joint passions and serve them, as you never know when the tables might be flipped and you need to be served.  We love BUSA Serves Day as this is one day where we can make an impact on others, but in reality, this needs to be a daily service to someone you know.  It might be as simple as picking up the phone versus texting and checking on someone.  Take time and give back!

 

4. Have Fun!

Soccer Take- 9/11 taught me life is short and you never know when your number is up.  Make each game, each practice, each day fun.  Nothing has to be easy, but people should enjoy playing something, as the word, play sits right in the middle of the word playing.  We are all guilty of being too fierce (I am suspect #1) but we all must take a step back and recognize one game does not determine our happiness or place in the world, and if it does we are going to be sad a lot of the time.  Soccer is a great game but a terrible God.

 

In closing, I just wanted to speak some from the heart, and thanks for listening if you read this cover to cover.   As a BUSA Coach, BUSA Player and BUSA Parent I trust and hope we always remember the sacrifices of those who passed away on 9/11/2001.  I hope that the BUSA Family always does more, gives more, loves more, thinks more as that will continue to make BUSA the best place to play soccer in Alabama for generations to come and allow us to mold and impact young leaders for the future.

 

All the best

AB

 

 

 

 

 

Tupelo FC Joins Alabama FC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUSA Dick’s Sporting Good’s Day.

Dick’s Sporting Goods is a proud partner of Birmingham United Soccer Association we would like to invite you to join your fellow Birmingham United Soccer Association participants and parents at the Alabaster & Birmingham & Hoover Dick’s Sporting Goods on  August 24^th-25^th   and August 31^st – September 1^st  for a special Birmingham United Soccer Association shop day. You can take advantage of great discounts on items that you are going to need for the upcoming season. In fact, we are offering all Birmingham United Soccer Association participants the chance to receive a 20% discount off of your purchase (some exclusions apply) this upcoming season!

 

Download the Following Coupon:

BUSA exercised teamwork off the field.

Players from over 80 of BUSA’s Academy, Competitive and ECNL teams partnered with organizations across Birmingham to lend helping hands and feet, during the annual BUSA Serves Day project.

“The theme for our club this year is ‘Leave YOUR Mark,’” shared Andrew Brower, Executive Director of Birmingham United Soccer Association. “Our annual BUSA Serves Day was a great opportunity for staff, coaches, players and parents to do just that. It was wonderful to see so many unique projects and outreach opportunities that were passionate to our membership.”

From yard work and river cleaning, to back-to-school preparations of classrooms, food boxes and school supplies, a variety of organizations across Birmingham benefitted from the players’ hard efforts. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Ronald McDonald House, King’s Home, Grace Klein Foundation, Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Cahaba Riverkeeper, NorthStar Soccer Ministries and Restoration Academy all hosted projects with significant meaning to BUSA participants.

“We wanted our teams to take ownership of their projects with something that was important to them. We feel this year our membership did a wonderful job serving and impacting areas of great need within our communities.”

As BUSA moves into their fall season, their work this summer has considerably strengthened the foundation of the club.

“BUSA Serves Day is a great reminder that one of the main goals of BUSA is to impact those around us so that we can leave our mark into making our community a better place.”

What are the new additions to 2019-20 season?

The rule-makers have decided upon a number of changes to the Laws of the Game – but what are they?

Soccer is set for some rule changes this season after the IFAB (International Football Association Board) approved a number of amendments and clarifications to the current Laws of the Game.

The changes came into force on June 1, 2019.

It’s not the first time that the rules of the beautiful game have been tweaked and it probably won’t be the last as administrators continue to figure out the best way forward in a world of changing technology.

Let’s look at the RULES that affect our youth game this up and coming season.

1)Free kicks: No attacking players in the wall

From next season on, we’re going to see an interesting change to the way free kicks are taken.

The IFAB has approved a rule change which prohibits attacking players – ie those from the team on attacking from the free kick – from being in the wall.

Specifically, when there is a wall of three or more players attackers are not allowed within one yard of it.

Any attacking player found to be less than one yard from the wall when a free kick is taken will be penalized and the other team will be rewarded with an indirect free kick.

2)Goal kicks

Changes to the nature of goal kicks have altered the dynamic of restarting the game.

Previously, the ball was deemed ‘dead’ until it left the penalty area, but a new change means that the ball is in play as soon as it is touched and it can be played inside the 18-yard box.

Early confusion around this rule led the IFAB to clarify that opposition players are still not allowed in the box until the ball is played.

3)Kick-off

From 2019-20 on, the team that wins the coin toss has a choice of picking which half to attack or to take first kick-off.

The thinking behind this rule is that many players will opt to take kick-off since a goal can be scored directly from one.

4)Yellow & red cards for coaches

In order to clamp down on difficult behavior from coaches who don’t see eye to eye with the referee or their opposite number, officials will be able to show them yellow or red cards, in the same way, they do with players.

If in the event of a touchline melee, for example, the offending individual cannot be identified for punishment, the senior coach who is in the technical area will be the default recipient.

5)Handball: Accidental offenses deemed free kicks

The IFAB has attempted to provide more clarity on the handball offense for occasions when the offense is deemed to be ‘non-deliberate’.

Essentially, the changes will mean that there will be no goal in cases where the ball accidentally strikes a player’s hand before crossing over the line.

Similarly, if a player has accidentally handled the ball and created an advantage or subsequently scores, they will be penalized with a free-kick.

6)Penalty kicks: Goalkeepers must have at least one foot on line

The issue of penalty kicks has cropped up a few times in recent years and the trend has been towards reducing the freedom of the goalkeeper.

That hasn’t changed with the latest update to the rules, which dictate that the shot-stopper must not be moving or touching the goalposts.

The new rule changes also say that the goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on or in line with the goal-line.

“Allowing the goalkeeper to have only one foot touching the goal line (or, if jumping, in line with the goal line) when the penalty kick is taken is a more practical approach as it is easier to identify if both feet are not on the line,” goes the IFAB’s explanation.

“As the kicker can ‘stutter’ in the run, it is reasonable that the goalkeeper can take one step in anticipation of the kick.”

As well as those points, the penalty taker will now be permitted to receive a quick treatment if necessary before taking the kick.

6)Drop ball no longer competitive

The dropped ball is no more. Well, at least not as we know it.

If play is stopped inside the penalty area the ball will simply be dropped for the goalkeeper.

If it is stopped outside the penalty area the ball will be dropped for a player from the team that last touched the ball. In all cases, players will have to be at least four and a half yards away.

Here’s the IFAB’s explanation: “The current dropped ball procedure often leads to a ‘manufactured’ restart which is ‘exploited’ unfairly (e.g. kicking the ball out for a throw-in deep in the opponents’ half) or an aggressive confrontation.

“Returning the ball to the team that last played it restores what was ‘lost’ when play was stopped, except in the penalty area where it is simpler to return the ball to the goalkeeper.

“To prevent that team gaining an unfair advantage, all players of both teams, except the player receiving the ball, must be at least 4m (4.5 yds) away.”

7)The Referee is no longer apart of play

Previously if the Ball hit the referee and changed possession it was played on as normal. Now if the ball hits an official (Ref) and a change of possession happens, it will now be a non-contested drop ball for the team who lost possession.

We hope this helps you for the up and coming season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUSA is Excited to Announce a New Sponsor!

Land O’Frost

Land O’ Frost Sandwich Meat will now be one of our Platinum Level Sponsors and help support several layers of programming within our organization. Andrew Brower on the new sponsorship, “Land O’ Frost is committed to helping youth sports excel in our country. Their mission statement is consistent with our philosophies and someone we feel will be a valued partner for many years to come”

 

New Land O’ Frost Youth Sports App!

Do you buy Land O Frost products? Do you want to help BUSA?

Well,  A Great way to help BUSA soccer is with the Land O’ Frost youth sports initiative.

Learn more and get the app here

2019/20 New Staff for the North and South Programs.

BUSA would like to take a moment and welcome some new faces for next season.

We continue to grow we need more great coaches we are excited to welcome some new faces.

Introducing to you…

 

Alberto Pita

I was born and raised in Coruña, Spain where I played for several academies, including my hometown club Deportivo de La Coruña. Shortly after retiring as a player, I began coaching youth soccer and have done so ever since. During that time, I also earned an undergraduate degree in Tourism and a master’s degree in Tourism Planning and Management from the University of Coruña.

I came to the United States five years ago and accepted a position as Director of Coaching at Florida Elite Soccer Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. I also worked as Assistant Head Coach for the women’s soccer team at Trinity Baptist College. During my time at Florida Elite, I have achieved five Regional Championships, including Florida Elite’s first back-to-back regional championship, and three State Championships including two in spring 2019. In addition, I directed the Girls Program (u9 to u12) as well as the Junior Academy program for ages 5-8, developing the club’s youngest players and nurturing a love for the game. I currently hold a UEFA A License as well as a USSF National D License.

When not at the fields, you can find me supporting Deportivo as they battle for promotion to La Liga.

 

Sam Irvin

I grew up playing Academy at BUSA and Georgia United.

I went to college where I played NCAA D1 soccer at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. At SJU I was a four-year starter where I had more than 4700 minutes played and was an All Philadelphia Soccer Six Rookie Team.

I have coached summer camps in college along with coached Super 8s.

 

Mike Dowling

I grew up in Liverpool England where I played for a number of professional academies such as Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers before making the Morecambe FC team in League two. I came over to America to earn my college degree and played fours years at Chowan University. I moved to Alabama to pursue my masters degree and coaching career at Montevallo University.

During my time in America, I have had the opportunity to coach high school soccer, club soccer, Coerver coaching, Footballer 1v1, and volunteered for the women’s soccer team alongside being the GA for the men’s program at Montevallo University.

 

Joe Webb

I have taught and coached at Mountain Brook High School since 1996-97 school year recording over 400 wins during that time and have coached at BUSA, Briarwood, and Hoover soccer clubs.

In my coaching career, I won the Birmingham Metro Coach of the Year (1998, 2001, 2004, 2007-09, 2013), coached the North squad in the All Star game (2007, 2013, 2019), and coached four Gatorade Players of the Year (2002-03, 2004-05, 2009-10, 2010-2011).

I have my USSF C coaching license and NSCAA goalkeeper coaching license.

I have had the opportunity to be the Alabama High School representative for the United Soccer Coaches Association and the Liaison for the Mexican National team at the 1996 Olympics.

 

Anthony Huynh

Anthony Huynh has 20 + years of soccer experience and knowledge playing throughout high school and competitively in an adult league. He spent 2 years as an assistant coach for Huffman High School’s girls 96-98 varsity team.

He is very passionate about soccer and has been with BUSA since 2016 coaching recreational soccer for his son’s team.

 

Ryan M. Brown

I grew up playing in Birmingham for the American Jets (now BUSA) and Vestavia and played high school soccer for Pelham 94’-97’. After high school, I went to college and played for the University of the Cumberlands.

I have coached for BUSA Rec for roughly 10-12 years both Boys and Girls along with coaching at Briarwood for two years