OVERVIEW
Alabama FC is the competitive arm of Birmingham United SA and the largest competitive soccer program in the state of Alabama. Our competitive program provides players ages U12–U19 with a high-level soccer experience built around professional coaching, player development, and meaningful competition.
We offer multiple levels of competition to meet the developmental needs of individual players and teams, including ECNL, ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL), National 1 League (N1), and Alabama State League. This structure allows players to compete at an appropriate level while providing opportunities for continued development and progression. In addition to league play, Alabama FC teams compete in tournaments throughout the year, providing additional opportunities to challenge themselves against teams from across the region and country.
Alabama FC is proud to be the only club in the state of Alabama to offer a complete ECNL and ECNL RL pathway for both male and female players. The ECNL is the leading youth soccer platform in the United States, providing an unrivaled level of competition, player development, and exposure. Through this platform, our players have opportunities to compete against some of the best clubs and players in the country while being seen by college and professional scouts.
All Alabama FC competitive teams train 2–3 times per week with professional coaching focused on developing the technical, tactical, physical, and mental aspects of the game. Players also have access to additional specialized programming, including Speed, Agility & Quickness (SAQ), Finishing, and Goalkeeping programs.
At Alabama FC, our goal is to provide every player with the right environment, level of competition, and pathway to maximize their development, from the first competitive experience through the highest levels of youth soccer.
For tryout information please contact Director of Coaching Ben Parks: Ben@Alabamafc.org
ECNL
The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) represents the highest level of youth soccer competition in the country, with membership awarded to elite clubs that demonstrate a strong history of player development and competitive success. The ECNL provides an unmatched platform for players to compete at the highest level, offering exceptional exposure and pathways to collegiate, professional, and national team opportunities.
ECNL/RL
The ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL) represents the next level in the competitive youth soccer pathway, providing a high-level platform for player development and competition. As part of the ECNL structure, the Regional League offers players strong competition, valuable collegiate exposure, and opportunities to progress to the ECNL level. ECNL RL provides an excellent pathway for ambitious players looking to develop and compete at the highest levels of youth soccer.
N1 L
National 1 League is the top team-based competition in US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer, elevating teams across the country into a unified national platform integrated with the ECNL.
PREMIER, SELECT, & NIKE TEAMS
A Premier, Select or Nike player will train twice a week. The teams will pay team fees and club fees accordingly. These teams will play in Alabama State League, Alabama State Cup and a few select tournaments. The older age groups will attend appropriate college showcase events. Purchase of Alabama FC uniform kit is required.
We have training pool options at our North location (Rathmell) and our South location (Dunnavant Valley Fields).
DETAILS
- Academy pools coached by licensed, professional coaches specializing in ages 8-12
- Developmentally appropriate curriculum followed: Optimal development for all levels of play
- 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
TRYOUTS
COMPETITIVE
U12 - U19
ACADEMY
U8 - U11
ALABASTER
U8 - U19
COMPETITIVE FAQS
Why choose Alabama FC?
Alabama FC offers competitive soccer at multiple levels to meet the needs of players and teams at different stages of their development. Our competitive pathway begins in the academy and progresses through Alabama State Association (ASA) league play, National 1 (N1), Pre-ECNL. Progression opportunities for players are available to our ECNL and ECNL RL programs [link ECNL page]
With professional coaching and a focus on individual player development, Alabama FC provides opportunities for players to challenge themselves, improve their game, and progress through the club's competitive pathway.
What age groups does Alabama FC offer competitive soccer?
Alabama FC offers competitive soccer for players in the U12–U19 age groups, with multiple levels of competition available to support player development and team needs.
When does the competitive season run?
The season begins in late July, with the schedule varying by age group.
- U15–U19: Late July through early December.
- U12–U14: Late July through early May. * teams take a break over the Christmas and New Year period.
Specific schedules may vary by team and competition level.
What are the different levels of the competitive program?
Alabama FC offers multiple levels of competition to provide appropriate challenges and development opportunities for players and teams.
Alabama State Association (ASA) – U12–U19
ASA teams compete in state league play, with the majority of games taking place in the Birmingham metropolitan area. Teams may also participate in out-of-town tournaments to gain additional competitive experience.
National 1 (N1) – U13–U19
N1 provides regionalized league competition, with opportunities to progress to national events. Alabama FC's N1 region encompasses Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, allowing teams to compete against clubs across the region.
Pre-ECNL – U12 only
Pre-ECNL provides U12 players with a development pathway toward ECNL competition, helping prepare them for the demands of the club's highest level of youth soccer and attendance at ECNL 'Pre ECNL' Events.
How many times per week do competitive teams train?
Alabama FC competitive teams have two team training sessions per week, with access to additional development opportunities, including speed, agility and quickness (SAQ), fitness, finishing, and goalkeeping sessions.
Can competitive players play high school soccer?
Yes! Alabama FC supports players who want to participate in high school soccer while continuing to develop at the club level. Our U15–U19 teams do not compete during the spring high school season in Alabama, allowing players to represent their high schools without conflicting club league schedules.
Interested in Joining Alabama FC?
Want to learn more about Alabama FC's competitive pathway or explore opportunities for your player? Contact our soccer staff to learn more about our competitive teams, player evaluations, and opportunities to join Alabama FC at the appropriate level.
