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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Recreational Program

Kick Off Their Soccer Journey with Fun and Growth!

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

    • 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.
    Click to Register

  • U6 Practice and Game

    • 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.
    Click to Register

  • U8 Program

    Team 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.
    Click to Register

  • U9–U12 Program

    Team 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
    Click to Register

  • 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

    • 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.
    Click to Register

  • U6 Practice and Game

    • 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.
    Click to Register

  • U8 Program

    Team 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
    Click to Register

  • U9–U12 Program

    Team 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
    Click to Register

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.