Vestavia Hills Soccer Club Announces 2025 Community Non-Profit Partner: STRIVE Birmingham

By Jason Woodall • January 15, 2025
Vestavia Hills Soccer Club partners with STRIVE Birmingham as the 2025 Community Non-Profit Partner. STRIVE, a national leader in workforce development, empowers individuals 18+ with free career training and support, bridging the skills and opportunity gaps for life-changing success. Discover how VHSC and STRIVE work together to empower graduating seniors and strengthen our community.

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Competitive Soccer

Competitive Team Program for Ages U12-U19

What is Competitive Soccer?

Competitive youth soccer is for players ready to elevate their game in a structured, high-performance environment. Unlike recreational soccer, it emphasizes advanced skill development, tactical understanding, and preparation for higher levels of play. Players compete in leagues and tournaments, focusing on growth, teamwork, and personal development.


At Vestavia Hills Soccer Club, competitive soccer goes beyond the game—it’s about developing potential and creating meaningful experiences.


  • Elite Development: Expert coaching enhances technical, tactical, and physical abilities, preparing players for regional, state, and national competitions.
  • Commitment to Growth: Individual development is prioritized, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.
  • Supportive Environment: Players, families, and coaches collaborate to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
  • Future Pathways: Opens doors to collegiate soccer and beyond, building a foundation for long-term success.


Joining VHSC means being part of a community that values excellence, passion, and progress, helping players grow as athletes and individuals while fostering a love for the game.

At Vestavia Hills Soccer Club, we believe in empowering players to achieve their highest potential both on and off the field. Our Competitive Program is designed to inspire growth, foster teamwork, and prepare athletes for the challenges of high-level soccer. If you’re passionate about the game and ready to take the next step, VHSC is the place for you.

Pathway to Excellence: Opportunities to advance to regional and national competitions.

Experienced Coaching: A dedicated staff focused on developing skilled, confident, and well-rounded players.

History of Success: A proven track record of excellence in player development and placement in college, State Championships, competitive leagues and tournaments.

Why choose Competitive Soccer?

Competitive 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.

FAQ

  • What is the U12-U19 Competitive Program?

    The U12–U19 Competitive Program is designed for players ready to excel in a high-performance soccer environment. It emphasizes advanced skill development, tactical understanding, teamwork, and regional and state-level competition preparation. 


    Players compete in structured leagues and tournaments against other competitive teams.

    Register for Tryouts

  • Does my child have to tryout for the Academy?

    Yes, all players must attend tryouts to be considered for a competitive team. Tryouts typically occur in May, and roster spots are earned based on player performance, skills, and potential. Players joining mid-season may schedule an evaluation with the program staff.

    Register for Tryouts

  • What qualities are important for players within the competitive program?

    Successful players in the competitive program demonstrate the following:

    • Coachability: Openness to feedback and a willingness to improve.
    • Respect: Toward coaches, teammates, opponents, and referees.
    • Work Ethic: Dedication to training and games.
    • Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with teammates.

  • How are teams formed?

    Teams are formed during tryouts based on:

    • Skill level and performance.
    • Developmental needs and age group.
    • Numbers within each age group.

    Teams are structured in a tiered format, ensuring players are placed in an environment that suits their current skill level and fosters growth.

    • Black - 1st teams
    • White - 2nd level teams

  • What does the calendar year look like?

    • Tryouts: Held in May each year, with evaluations as needed throughout the year.
    • Fall Season: Training begins in late July, with regular practices and games running through mid-November.
    • Spring Season: Training resumes in late January and runs through early May.

  • Can my player play High School soccer in the Spring?

    Yes, all U15 through U19 players only play in the fall season, allowing them to participate with their high school team during the spring season.


    However, U12–U14 competitive players are expected to participate in both fall and spring seasons unless the director approves an exception during tryouts.

  • How often do competitive teams train?

    Teams typically train 3 times per week during the season, with sessions focusing on technical skills, tactical awareness, and team development.

  • Where are training sessions held?

    Training sessions are held at the Liberty Park Soccer Complex and the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex. 


    Specific fields vary based on team assignments.

    Click to view our facilities

  • What league does the competitive teams participate in?

    Vestavia Hills Soccer Club Competitive teams compete in:

    • Alabama State League
    • Tournaments at local, state, and regional levels
    • Occasional showcase events for U15 and older players targeting college recruitment.

  • What is the game format and roster size for competitive teams?

    • U12 (9v9): Roster size typically ranges from 12–14 players.
    • U13–U19 (11v11): Roster size typically ranges from 16–18 players.

  • When are games held?

    Games are generally scheduled on weekends, with league matches on Saturdays and Sundays. 


    However, league matches can be scheduled during the week.


    Tournament play often involves:

    • Two games on Saturday
    • One or more games on Sunday, including potential finals.

Competitive Team 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.

Age Group Comparison

Feature U8–U10 Program U11 Program Competitive Program (U13+)
Age Groups U8–U10 U11 U13 and older
Training Frequency 2 sessions per week (75-90 minutes each) 3 sessions per week (75-minute sessions each) 3+ sessions per week (75–90 minutes each)
Training Locations Liberty Park/SHAC or Dolly Ridge (primary); occasional sessions at Central Field Liberty Park/SHAC only Designated club facilities based on team assignment
Game Format 7v7 9v9 11v11
Roster Size Preferred: 10 players per team Preferred: 12 players per team 9v9: 12-14 players; 11v11: 18-22 players per team
Ball Size Size 4 Size 4 Size 4 (9v9); Size 5 (11v11)
League Participation Alabama D League (6 games per season) Alabama D League (6 games per season) Alabama State League (6-8 games per season)
Tournaments 1-2 per season 2-3 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 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 Based on tryouts; age groups; 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 High-level competition; advanced technical and tactical growth; preparation for collegiate opportunities
Key Attributes for Players Coachable, positive, respectful, team-oriented, and eager to learn Coachable, positive, respectful, team-oriented, and eager to learn Coachable, positive, respectful, team-oriented, and eager to learn

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.