Academy Soccer

Competitive Bridge Program for Ages U8-U11

What is Academy Soccer?

Academy Soccer is a competitive bridge program designed for players U8–U11 who are ready to advance beyond recreational soccer and prepare for full competitive play at the U12–U19 levels. The program prioritizes individual player development, focusing on technical skills, tactical understanding, and a passion for the game.


While individual growth is a primary focus, soccer is inherently a team sport. Players must also learn to thrive as part of a team, as success on the field depends on their ability to work collaboratively. At VHSC Academy, we emphasize building critical qualities such as:


• Being Coachable: Open to feedback and willing to learn.

• Respectful: Showing respect for coaches, teammates, opponents, and referees.

• Hard-Working: Putting in effort both on and off the field.

• Teamwork: Developing the ability to work with others toward a common goal.


These characteristics not only help players succeed in the Academy but also lay the foundation for their growth as confident, skilled, and well-rounded athletes.

The VHSC Academy  is designed to provide players with the ideal environment to grow and excel in soccer. By combining advanced skill development, inclusive opportunities for players from all backgrounds, and a supportive atmosphere, the Academy helps players build confidence, foster teamwork, and develop a lifelong passion for the game.

Advanced Development: Emphasizes technical skills, tactical understanding, and a love for the game.

Open to All: Welcoming players from all backgrounds, including those from other academies.

Supportive Environment: Positive coaching ensures players, parents, and coaches grow together.

Why choose Academy Soccer?

Academy Soccer Program Information

The VHSC Academy provides an exceptional environment for players to grow and excel in soccer. Our program focuses on advanced skill development, tactical understanding, and fostering a lifelong passion for the game. We welcome players from all backgrounds, including those from other academies, and offer positive coaching to ensure players, parents, and coaches thrive together.


Academy training primarily takes place at Liberty Park, Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex (SHAC), and Dolly Ridge (DR). For players on the Central side of town, training is mainly held at Dolly Ridge, with occasional sessions at Central Field. These convenient locations provide the flexibility and accessibility families need to support their player’s development.


For families, the Academy offers the flexibility to choose between two facility hubs for their training base:


• Liberty Park/SHAC

• Dolly Ridge/Central


When completing the tryout registration form, families must select their preferred training facility. If families wish to change their training location after teams have been assigned, they should contact the Director. However, once the season has commenced, we ask that any requested changes occur at the end of a season or during natural breaks to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruption for players and teams.

Academy Soccer Locations

Liberty Park Soccer Complex

The Liberty Park Soccer Complex, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is a premier natural grass facility that has been a cornerstone for soccer and athletic development since its establishment in 1977. The complex is home to Liberty Park Fields 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, providing versatile and well-maintained playing surfaces for soccer training and games. Additionally, the Liberty Park Softball Fields are often utilized to expand training and accommodate various soccer activities.


With its lush, natural grass fields and decades of history, Liberty Park remains a trusted venue for athletes, coaches, and teams who value quality playing surfaces and a scenic, community-oriented environment.

Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex

The Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex (SHAC), constructed in 2010, is a state-of-the-art facility in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, designed to serve athletes and families alike. The complex boasts SHAC Fields 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, all featuring high-quality artificial turf surfaces. These fields are ideal for soccer training and games, and players are encouraged to wear soccer cleats for optimal performance and traction on the turf.


Beyond its outstanding soccer facilities, the SHAC offers amenities for the entire community, including a splash pad, pickleball courts, and a scenic walk/run trail. Whether you’re here for competitive play, casual training, or family-friendly recreation, the SHAC provides an exceptional environment for sports and leisure activities.

Central Field

Conveniently located off Highway 31 near Wald Park and the VHSC Soccer Offices, Central Field is a central gathering place for soccer players and their families. This natural grass facility offers a convenient and accessible location for training, games, and events. Its proximity to key VHSC resources ensures a seamless and supportive experience for all participants.

Dolly Ridge Elementary

Nestled in the heart of Vestavia Hills, Dolly Ridge Elementary offers a beautiful natural grass facility that serves as a hub for our Recreational and Academy soccer programs. The well-maintained fields provide an ideal setting for young players to learn, grow, and enjoy the game in a family-friendly environment. Surrounded by the charm and community spirit of Vestavia, Dolly Ridge Elementary is a treasured venue for VHSC activities.

FAQ

  • What is the U8-U11 Academy Program?

    Vestavia Hills Soccer Club U8–U11 Academy Program 


    The Academy bridges recreational and competitive soccer, providing a structured, development-focused environment for players of all levels. The Academy is an inclusive program designed to support growth at every stage, emphasizing skill development, competitive gameplay, and a love for the game in a supportive and fun atmosphere.

    Register for Tryouts

  • Does my child have to tryout for the Academy?

    All players must be evaluated before entering the Academy. Tryouts are held annually in May, with ongoing evaluations available for players joining after the initial tryout period.


    While the program welcomes players of all abilities, participants must be coachable, attentive, hard-working, and respectful. 


    For some players, the Academy staff may recommend starting in recreational soccer to build foundational skills or temporarily returning to recreational soccer for further development before rejoining the Academy.

    Register for Tryouts

  • What qualities are important for players in the Academy Program?

    The program emphasizes:

    • Being coachable
    • Respect for others
    • Hard work
    • Teamwork and collaboration
    • A positive attitude and eagerness to learn

  • How are teams formed?

    Academy Teams are formed during tryouts based on the following:

    • Number of players
    • Ability of players
    • Age groups
    • Facility location

    Teams are organized in a tiered format to create a developmentally appropriate environment for players and ensure effective training for both players and teams.

  • What does the calendar year look like?

    Academy Calendar Year Overview


    The Vestavia Hills Soccer Club Academy follows a structured calendar year to provide players with comprehensive training and development opportunities.

    • Tryouts: Held annually in May, with ongoing evaluations available for players joining after the tryout period.
    • Fall Season: Training typically begins in the last week of July with a preseason camp leading into the first week of August. Regular team training continues through the second week of November.
    • Winter Season:  VHSC offers off-season training in December-January.  Players are encouraged to participate in other sports and activities such as Futsal, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, etc.
    • Spring Season: The spring season begins in late January and runs through the first week of May.

    This schedule ensures a balanced and consistent program that supports player growth, development, and a love for the game throughout the year.

  • How often do players train?

    • U8–U10: Players train two times per week.
    • U11: Players train three times per week in 75-minute sessions.

  • Can players change their training location?

    During registration, families select their training location (Liberty Park/SHAC or Dolly Ridge). 


    If a change is needed:

    • Contact the Director to discuss the best solution.
    • Changes are ideally made between or at the end of seasons to minimize disruption.

  • Where are training sessions held?

    • U8–U10: Families can choose between Liberty Park/SHAC or Dolly Ridge for their primary training location. Occasional sessions may take place at Central Field.
    • U11: All training sessions are held at Liberty Park/SHAC.

  • What League do Academy teams participate in?

    Teams compete in the Alabama D League, playing 6 games per season. 


    To enhance development, additional training matches and tournaments are scheduled throughout the year.

  • What is the game format and roster size?

    • U8–U10: Teams play 7v7 soccer, with an ideal roster size of 10 players per team.
    • U11: Teams play 9v9 soccer, with an ideal roster size of 12 players per team.

  • When are games held?

    D League Matches

    • Games are typically held on Saturdays, with occasional Sunday matches. 

    Tournaments:  Some tournaments require Friday night games, but the typically the tournament schedule is:

    • Two games on Saturday
    • One game on Sunday morning, with the possibility of a final on Sunday afternoon

Age Group Comparison

Feature U8-U10 Program U11 Program
Age Groups U8-U10 U11
Training Frequency 2 sessions per week 3 sessions per week (75-minute sessions)
Training Locations Liberty Park/SHAC or Dolly Ridge (primary); occasional sessions at Central Field Liberty Park/SHAC only
Game Format 7v7 9v9
Roster Size Preferred: 10 players per team Preferred: 12 players per team
Ball Size Size 4 Size 4
League Participation Alabama D League (6 games per season) Alabama D League (6 games per season)
Tournaments 1-2 per season 2-3 per season
Tournament Games 2 games on Saturday; 1 game Sunday morning; potential Sunday final 2 games on Saturday; 1 game Sunday morning; potential Sunday final
Team Formation Based on tryouts, age groups, and facilities; teams tiered for development Based on tryouts, age groups, and facilities; teams tiered for development
Program Focus Introduction to competitive soccer; skill development; fun and positive environment Advanced skill and tactical development; preparation for higher competitive levels
Key Attributes for Players Coachable, positive, respectful, team-oriented, and eager to learn Coachable, positive, respectful, team-oriented, and eager to learn

Academy Skills

At Vestavia Hills Soccer Club, we believe in nurturing talent at every level. Our Academy Skills program is designed to enhance individual growth in essential soccer skills, empowering players aged 3-19 to reach their full potential. Join us in our mission to develop not just skilled athletes, but confident individuals ready to take on the challenges of the game and life.

Soccer Pathways at VHSC


At Vestavia Hills Soccer Club, we offer a clear and exciting pathway for youth soccer players to grow and succeed, no matter their starting point or goals. Our programs are designed to guide players through each stage of their soccer journey:


1. Recreational Soccer (Ages 3–19)


The perfect introduction to soccer, focusing on fun, skill development, and building a love for the game. Recreational soccer provides a low-pressure environment for players of all levels to learn the basics and enjoy team play.


2. Academy Soccer (U8–U11)


A bridge program for players aspiring to take the next step. Academy soccer introduces competitive elements with a focus on advanced skills, teamwork, and game understanding, preparing players for higher levels of play.


3. Competitive Soccer (U12–U19)


For players ready to compete at the highest level. Teams compete in leagues and tournaments, offering a challenging environment with dedicated coaching to maximize player potential and opportunities for college recruitment.