Birmingham United Soccer Association
PERHAPS NO OTHER SOCCER CLUB IN THE STATE HAS EXPERIENCED AS MUCH growth in recent years as Birmingham United. By the time the spring season ends in June 2017, more than 6,000 kids will have played soccer for B.U.S.A., three times more than the club registered just three years ago. During that time the club has grown from 30 competitive teams to more than 70 this fall. Andrew Brower, Executive Director of B.U.S.A., said with that kind of unprecedented growth, it was ANDREW BROWER important to have a plan in place to ensure the quality of the soccer programs for Executive Director everyone wearing B.U.S.A. colors. “I think one of the things we’re really excited about USSF “A” License is to be able to now have a holistic program from top to bottom that covers soccer NSCAA Advanced National Diploma from the ages of 3 all the way to our semi-pro WPSL women’s team for kids that are USYS “Y” License playing in college and beyond,” said Brower. NSCAA Goalkeeping Level I and Level II KNVB Dutch License In order to ensure all players receive as much personal attention as possible, US Soccer National Training Center Staff B.U.S.A. hired several new directors in the fall of 2015 who Brower says has “really -Atlanta Market helped improve the level of soccer leadership in Alabama.” Children in B.U.S.A.’s ASA Coaching Education Staff recreation program receive specialized instruction, and the club’s Wednesday night program ensures each team is seen and trained by a director throughout the fall and TYPES OF PROGRAMS OFFERED: Recreational | Competitive | Intramural spring. The club also provides additional specialized goal-keeping, and scoring and ECNL | WPSL Soccer finishing instruction. These programs, Brower believes, helps bring coaches and players closer despite the club’s size. ADDRESS The glue that holds it all together, according to Brower, is the coaching staff, 3576 East Street which, he says, is the best in Birmingham. “I think the thing that separates us from Birmingham, AL 35243 PHONE: 205.977.9038 other people is we have really good coaches and they really understand and know WEBSITE: birminghamunited.org the game, but they’re better people. I think their character is exceptional and I think they’re really responsible for a lot of the growth or our organization,” said Brower. “They’re the lifeblood of the organization.” B.U.S.A. is also well-known for preparing players for the next level, whether that means obtaining a college scholarship or exploring options in professional soccer. For instance in 2016, B.U.S.A. had 28 seniors go on to play college soccer. The club has also placed players in professional academies, including Taylor Tessman, a 16-year-old now living in residency and playing with the FC Dallas Academy Team, and Carter Emack with the Philadelphia Union.“