Shelby County is all about staying active, especially when it comes to sports. Join us for a conversation with Andrew Brower, the Executive Director of Birmingham United Soccer Association (BUSA) and Alabama FC! Andrew shares the rich history and exciting offerings of Alabama’s largest soccer organization. He highlights their comprehensive range of programs, from fun introductory soccer for little ones to competitive leagues for high school and college players.
Andrew also discusses BUSA’s involvement in the Elite Clubs National League (ECL), which opens up significant college opportunities for players. He talks about their strong partnerships with local high schools and the Birmingham Legion, and emphasizes their positive impact on the community through service projects and philanthropic efforts. Additionally, he shares thrilling news about the growth of soccer in Shelby County, including the rise of indoor futsal and the anticipation for the upcoming World Cup and Olympics.
“One of the things that separates Birmingham United Soccer Association and Alabama FC from some of the other clubs is we’re a full-service soccer club. So we offer everything from basic introductory soccer all the way… to U-19“
Takeaways
Largest Soccer Organization in Alabama:
The Birmingham United Soccer Association (BUSA) is the largest soccer organization in Alabama, with approximately 10,000 participants. It was formed through a merger of two clubs in 2006.
Comprehensive Soccer Programs:
BUSA offers a wide range of programs, from introductory soccer for young children to competitive teams and semi-pro levels. They provide opportunities for players at all levels, from recreational to those aspiring to play professionally.
Elite Clubs National League Membership:
BUSA is a founding member of the Elite Clubs National League (ECL) and its regional league, making it the only franchise between Atlanta and Dallas. This membership offers significant college opportunities for players, with many alumni playing at the collegiate and professional levels.
Community Engagement and Philanthropy:
BUSA is heavily involved in community service, hosting events, camps, and tournaments. They support local schools, provide funding for elementary soccer programs, and engage in various community service projects to empower and serve their diverse members.
Future Growth and Development:
BUSA is expanding its programs, including the introduction of futsal, a Brazilian indoor soccer game. They are continuously looking for ways to grow and develop soccer in the region, anticipating significant growth with the upcoming World Cup and Olympic cycles.
To wrap it up, Andrew Brower gave us the inside scoop on how Birmingham United Soccer Association (BUSA) is making waves in Shelby County. They’ve got everything from little kids just starting out to serious players aiming for college and beyond. BUSA isn’t just about soccer; they’re big on community too, teaming up with local schools and running awesome service projects. And with new stuff like futsal and all the buzz around the World Cup and Olympics, BUSA is definitely an organization to keep an eye on!
Discover more great ways to get active and sporty across Shelby County!
Discover More About BUSA
If you’d like to learn more about BUSA, check out his website and socials below:
