FC Birmingham

What FC Birmingham does

FC Birmingham is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit soccer organization headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, founded in 2019 by Doug Walk. It operates a complete player-development ecosystem spanning a Youth Academy (Development Academy U8-U12, Academy U13-U14, College Prep U15-U19 competing in National 1 League) through a U21 Senior Academy Team and two semi-professional senior squads — a men's team in the UPSL Premier Division and a women's team in the WPSL. The club's core product is soccer development delivered through a multi-stage pathway, with an integrated futsal program ($150/season add-on) functioning as a technical accelerator across all age groups, and tryouts and registration occurring on a rolling seasonal basis.

The business model combines (a) recurring registration fees ranging from $925 to $1,100 per player per year, with deposits of $200 and payment-plan options; (b) tiered corporate sponsorships ranging from $500 Community Sponsors to undisclosed Title Sponsorship, with named partners including the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Caring Foundation, Hummel, and Sapphire Business Solutions; and (c) tax-deductible donations and grants under 501(c)(3) status supporting scholarships and free community clinics. Customer segments include aspiring youth players and their families (200+ trained annually), semi-pro men's and women's players, local corporate sponsors, and the broader Birmingham Metro community benefiting from grassroots outreach in areas like Tarrant.

The underlying technology is human-coaching methodology rather than a software platform; the proprietary features are a structured Player Pathway System, league affiliations (UPSL, WPSL, N1L, ASA, NextGen, US Club Soccer, USYS), and venue partnerships (Pleasant Grove Stadium, Lily Field, Altamont School, Gardendale High School from Spring 2026). Operational scale remains small — 8 employees, ~$1M-band revenue — with documented college-placement outcomes (13 scholarships in two years) and four professional trial invitations supporting brand credibility in a regional market.

Name

FC Birmingham

Legal name

FC Birmingham

Website

https://fcbirmingham.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

FC Birmingham is a Birmingham, Alabama-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit soccer club operating a U8-to-semi-pro player pathway with a men's UPSL Premier team, a women's WPSL team, and a youth academy serving 200+ players annually through registration fees, sponsorships, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Amateur & Semi-Professional Soccer Club Services

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Spectator Sports (71121)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations (MPAKACAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Licensing, Merchandising & Co-Branded Products (Sponsored Merchandise, Collabs) (MPAKALAE), Amateur & Grassroots Sport Associations (Community/Youth Governing Orgs) (MPAKAFAF), Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK)

Keywords

• Youth soccer academy
• Semi-professional soccer
• Player development pathway
• Soccer club services
• Community soccer programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Birmingham

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Academy Registration Fees: Annual and seasonal registration fees for youth academy programs ranging from $925-$1,100 depending on age group, plus deposit requirements and optional futsal add-ons
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorship packages including Title Sponsor, Premier Sponsor, Club Sponsor ($2,500), and Community Sponsor ($500) levels with jersey branding, field boards, livestream commercials, and social media exposure
3. Donations and Grants: Tax-deductible donations as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting scholarships and community programs

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

FC Birmingham is a Birmingham, Alabama-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit soccer club that operates semi-professional men's (UPSL Premier Division) and women's (WPSL) teams and a structured youth academy pathway from U8 through U21. The club sells annual and seasonal academy registration, tryout-based placement, and competitive league play, providing coaching, training, college recruiting support, and a pathway to professional soccer. Revenue is generated through registration fees ($925–$1,100), corporate sponsorship packages ($500–Title Sponsor), donations, and grants.

Product overview

FC Birmingham is a soccer club offering a comprehensive player development ecosystem with both senior semi-professional teams and youth academy programs. The club operates two senior teams - a Men's team in UPSL Premier Division and a Women's team in WPSL - alongside a structured youth academy pathway spanning Development Academy (U8-U12), Academy (U13-U14), College Prep (U15-U19), and Showcase (U21). The club recently added a U21 Senior Academy Team to bridge youth and adult competition. Optional futsal training is offered as a technical accelerator across all programs. The youth academy competes in NextGen League, ASA State League, National 1 League, and UPSL depending on age group.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Men's UPSL Premier Team The senior men's semi-professional soccer team competing in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) Premier Division. This is FC Birmingham's top-tier men's team, competing in sanctioned league matches with national visibility.
• Women's WPSL Team The women's semi-professional soccer team competing in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Provides a high-level national platform for female players in Alabama, including college athletes and recent graduates.
• Development Academy (U8-U12) Youth development program for players ages 8-12 building foundational skills in ball mastery, creativity, and love for the game. Competes in NextGen League with 7v7 format for U8-U10 and 9v9 for U11-U12. Annual registration $1,075 or $645 per single season.
• Academy (U13-U14) Competitive training program for U13-U14 players focused on tactical understanding, position-specific development, and increased training intensity (3 sessions per week). Competes in ASA State League or NextGen. Annual registration $1,100 or $660 per single season.
• College Prep (U15-U19) High-intensity training program for high-school players pursuing college soccer, with focus on exposure, physical development, recruiting support, and advanced match preparation. Competes in the National 1 League. Annual or single-season registration $975 (up to 3 payments).
• Showcase (U21) Performance-driven program aligned with UPSL standards for U21 players seeking visibility, competition, and a pathway to senior-level play. Includes livestream exposure and professional standards training. Annual registration $925.
• U21 Senior Academy Team Transitional semi-professional team bridging youth and adult soccer, competing in UPSL Division 1. Designed for college players, players between schools, pro-pathway players, and high-level youth players preparing for senior competition.
• Jr. Academy Program Foundational skills program designed to teach the basics of soccer to young children without the pressures of winning and losing. Part of the youth development pathway.
• Tryouts Club-wide tryouts for Development Academy, Academy, College Prep, Showcase, and Men's & Women's Senior Teams. Evaluation covers technical quality, tactical understanding, physical readiness, and mental/cultural fit for placement into the appropriate program level.
• Corporate Sponsorship Packages Tiered corporate sponsorship packages for local and regional businesses including Community Sponsor ($500), Club Sponsor ($2,500), Premier Sponsor, and Title Sponsor (contact pricing). Benefits include jersey branding, field boards, livestream commercials, social media exposure, and season passes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 13 scholarships in two years
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of AlabamacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor corporate sponsorship providing financial support to FC Birmingham's mission of expanding access to soccer development regardless of socioeconomic status. Partnership enables provision of competitive opportunities to diverse community members.
• HummelcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial kit supplier providing branded athletic wear and equipment for FC Birmingham teams and players.
• Sapphire Business SolutionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business partner providing support services to the club's operations and community programs.
• Eintracht FrankfurtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSummer 2025 coaching education partnership bringing two Eintracht Frankfurt coaches for full-day training event, elevating standards across the club and inspiring staff with international methodologies.
• National 1 League (N1L)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeague affiliation for U15-U19 Academy teams competing at elevated competitive tier above State League, strengthening the development pathway and player exposure.
• United Premier Soccer League (UPSL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary league affiliation for men's semi-professional Premier Division team, providing national competitive platform and pathway to professional opportunities.
• Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeague affiliation for women's semi-professional team entering fourth season overall and third in WPSL, providing national visibility and professional pathway opportunities.
• Alabama Soccer Association (ASA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState governing body affiliation providing Futures program participation, referee development support, and structured competitive pathways for youth teams.
• Gardendale High SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFuture home venue for men's and women's semi-pro teams beginning Spring 2026, providing concentrated footprint in North Jefferson County serving Gardendale, Fultondale, and surrounding communities.
• Lily Field and Altamont SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth academy training and competition locations providing essential field access for club's growth and identity.
• Birmingham City FC (BCFC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical partnership mentioned in club formation documentation - FC Birmingham (1st Team) partnered with Birmingham City FC (AL) established in 2019 to create the Academy structure.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Asheville City SC: Community-based semi-professional club in the Carolinas competing in USL League Two and the USL W League. Operates a comparable regional model with academy-adjacent programming and local sponsorship monetization.
• Detroit City FC: Fan-owned community soccer club fielding teams across NISA, USL W League, and developmental leagues. Shares FC Birmingham's grassroots, supporter-driven, nonprofit-adjacent operating philosophy and emphasis on local identity.
• Southern Soccer Academy: Large Southeast U.S. youth soccer academy with girls' and boys' development pathways and NPL/ECNL participation. Comparable to FC Birmingham's academy tier in scale, league affiliation philosophy, and emphasis on college placement.
• Chattanooga FC: Community-owned semi-professional soccer club in the Southeast competing in NISA and UPSL. Operates a similar fan-owned, community-first model with youth development pathways and is one of the closest direct comps to FC Birmingham's structure and ethos.

Broad incumbents

• Phoenix Rising FC: USL Championship club with a strong community-ownership heritage and a professionalized youth development operation. Represents the scaled-up version of FC Birmingham's community semi-pro model.
• Charlotte FC Academy: MLS academy in the Carolinas running an MLS NEXT pathway with the scale and resources of a first-division professional club. A ceiling reference for the kind of academy infrastructure FC Birmingham aspires to over time.
• NCFC Youth: Youth affiliate of North Carolina FC (USL Championship) operating one of the larger multi-state academy footprints in the Southeast. Comparable in scope to FC Birmingham's academy and a benchmark for pathway commercialization.

Emerging players

• Carolina Core FC: New MLS NEXT Pro expansion club with a stated focus on the U8-to-pro developmental pyramid. Conceptually similar to FC Birmingham's vertical-pathway strategy but at a higher league tier and with MLS club resources.

Regional players

• Huntsville City FC: MLS NEXT Pro affiliate of New York City FC based in Alabama. Pulls elite youth from the same Alabama pipeline FC Birmingham targets and offers a higher professional pathway ceiling, making it a regional competitor for the most ambitious players.
• Birmingham Legion FC: Professional USL Championship club based in Birmingham, Alabama, with an affiliated youth academy. Operates in the same metro as FC Birmingham and competes for the same talent pool, sponsors, and fan attention, though at a higher competitive tier.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/fc_bham
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC5SQiyRnihY0hUq3xUJnpxg
• Facebookfacebook.com/fcbham
• Instagraminstagram.com/fcbham
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fcbham

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FC Birmingham