What is Recreational Soccer?
At Vestavia Hills Soccer Club, recreational soccer introduces players to the sport in a fun, inclusive, and low-pressure environment, emphasizing participation, enjoyment, and personal growth over competition.
Our program provides a fun, low-pressure environment where players of all skill levels can build foundational skills, foster friendships, and prepare for future opportunities in competitive soccer—all while staying active, being confident and having FUN!
Fun and Low-Pressure Environment: Players of all skill levels can learn the game while having fun.
Pathway to Competitive Soccer: Sets the foundation for future opportunities in Academy Soccer (U8–U11) and Competitive Soccer (U12–U19).
Community Focus: Build friendships, teamwork, and confidence while staying active.
Why choose Recreational Soccer?
Recreational 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.
Recreational Soccer Program Information
Join us at Liberty Park, Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, Central Field, or Dolly Ridge for an exciting soccer experience tailored to your child’s age and skill level! Whether they’re just starting out or looking to take their game to the next level, our programs are designed to build skills, foster teamwork, and create lasting memories.
Liberty Park / SHAC
Join us at Liberty Park or the SHAC for an exciting soccer experience tailored to your child’s age and skill level! Programs offered for boys and girls ages U4-U19.
U4 Mini-Kickers
Click to Register- Location: Liberty Park
- Days: Saturdays
- Times: 8:00–8:45 AM
- Details: A six-session program designed for individual skill development, concluding each session with scrimmages.
U6 Practice and Game
Click to Register- Location: Liberty Park
- Days: Sundays
- Times: 1:30 PM or 2:45 PM
- Details: Eight sessions with 20 minutes of practice followed by a game against another team.
U8 Program
Click to RegisterTeam Practice:
- Location: Liberty Park
- Days: Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday
- Times: TBD (Set by coaches and remains consistent weekly).
Game Night:
- Location: Liberty Park
- Days: Tuesdays
- Times: 5:30 PM–6:45 PM
- Details: Features 30 minutes of skills and exercises with VHSC staff followed by a 40-minute game (two 20-minute halves).
Friday Games
- Location: Liberty Park
- Times: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM and 6:45 PM–7:45 PM
- Details: Eight total games. Some games may be held at Central Field.
U9–U12 Program
Click to RegisterTeam Practice:
- Location: Liberty Park
- Days: Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday
- Times: TBD (Set by coaches and remains consistent weekly).
- Alternate Location: Central or Dolly Ridge (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday).
Skills Clinic:
- Location: Liberty Park
- Days: Tuesdays
- Times: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
- Details: A boys’ and girls’ skills clinic run by VHSC professional staff.
Games:
- Location: Varies
- Days: Saturdays
- Times: TBD
13U and Older Program
Team Practice:
- Location: Liberty Park or Central
- Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
- Times: TBD (Set by coaches, consistent weekly).
Games:
- Location: Varies
- Days: Varies
- Details: Games scheduled through the Alabama Soccer.
Central / Dolly Ridge
Join us at Central Field or Dolly Ridge for programs that grow skills, encourage teamwork for an enjoyable experience for every player. Programs for boys and girls ages U4-U12.
U4 Mini-Kickers
Click to Register- Location: Central School Field
- Days: Saturdays
- Times: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM
- Details: A six-session program designed for individual skill development, concluding each session with scrimmages.
U6 Practice and Game
Click to Register- Location: Central Field and Dolly Ridge
- Days: Sundays
- Times: 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
- Details: Eight sessions with 20 minutes of practice followed by a game against another team.
U8 Program
Click to RegisterTeam Practice:
- Location: Central Field or Dolly Ridge
- Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
- Times: TBD (Set by coaches and remains consistent weekly).
Game Night:
- Location: Central Field
- Days: Mondays
- Times: 5:30 PM–6:45 PM
- Details: Features 30 minutes of skills and exercises with VHSC staff followed by a 40-minute game (two 20-minute halves).
Friday Games
- Location: Central Field or Dolly Ridge
- Times: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM and 7:00-8:00 PM
- Details: Eight total games. Some games may be held at Liberty Park
U9–U12 Program
Click to RegisterTeam Practice:
- Location: Central Field
- Days: Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday
- Times: TBD (Set by coaches and remains consistent weekly).
- Alternate Location: Central or VHEE (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday).
Skills Clinic:
- Location: Central Field
- Days: Mondays
- Times: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
- Details: U9-U12 boys’ and girls’ skills clinic run by VHSC professional staff.
Games:
- Location: Varies
- Days: Saturdays
- Details: Primarily scheduled for Saturdays
Important Dates
SPRING 2025 | DATE | NOTE |
---|---|---|
All Groups | January 31 | Registration Ends |
U9 and Older | February 24 week of | U9 and older Practice Starts |
U8 | February 24 week of | U8 Practice Starts |
U9 and Older | TBD | Future's League Games Start |
U6 | March 2 | U6 Starts |
U8 and older | March 3 | Game Night/Skills Central Starts |
U8 and older | March 4 | Game Night/Skills LP Starts |
U8 | March 7 | U8 Games Start |
U4 | 8-Mar | Mini Kickers Start |
Holiday | March 24-March 28 | Spring Break |
Mini Kickers | March 22 & 29 | NO Mini Kickers |
U6 | March 23 & 30 | NO U6 |
U8 | March 21 & 28 | NO U8 Games |
MK-U8 | April 18-20 | NO U8 Games, MK or U6 - EASTER |
MK | May 3 | Mini-Kickers Ends |
U8 and older | April 28 | Game Night/Skills Central Ends |
U8 and older | April 29 | Game Night/Skills LP Ends |
U6 | May 3 | U6 Game Added |
U6 | May 4 | U6 Ends |
U8 | May 9 | U8 Ends |
U9 and older | TBD | Future's League Games End |
Specific practice and game schedules will be provided after team assignments. Optional skills clinics dates and times will be shared with registered players.
Age Group Chart
AGE | GRADE | BIRTH YEAR |
---|---|---|
U19 | 12/College | 2006's |
U18 | 11th/12th | 2007's |
U17 | 10th/11th | 2008's |
U16 | 9th/10th | 2009's |
U15 | 8th/9th | 2010's |
U14 | 7th/8th | 2011's |
U13 | 6th/7th | 2012's |
U12 | 5th/6th | 2013's |
U11 | 4th/5th | 2014's |
U10 | 3rd/4th | 2015's |
U9 | 2nd/3rd | 2016's |
U7/U8 | 1st/2nd | 08/01/2016 - 07/31/2018 |
U5/U6 | 4K/K | 08/01/2018 - 07/31/2020 |
U3/U4 | 08/01/2020 - 12/31/2021 |
The Age Group Chart matches your child’s date of birth (DOB) to the appropriate soccer program, ensuring placement that suits their age and development for a positive experience.
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.