BUSA Dick’s Sporting Good’s Day.

Dick’s Sporting Goods is a proud partner of Birmingham United Soccer Association we would like to invite you to join your fellow Birmingham United Soccer Association participants and parents at the Alabaster & Birmingham & Hoover Dick’s Sporting Goods on  August 24^th-25^th   and August 31^st – September 1^st  for a special Birmingham United Soccer Association shop day. You can take advantage of great discounts on items that you are going to need for the upcoming season. In fact, we are offering all Birmingham United Soccer Association participants the chance to receive a 20% discount off of your purchase (some exclusions apply) this upcoming season!

Download the Following Coupon:

What are the new additions to 2019-20 season?

The rule-makers have decided upon a number of changes to the Laws of the Game – but what are they?

Soccer is set for some rule changes this season after the IFAB (International Football Association Board) approved a number of amendments and clarifications to the current Laws of the Game.

The changes came into force on June 1, 2019.

It’s not the first time that the rules of the beautiful game have been tweaked and it probably won’t be the last as administrators continue to figure out the best way forward in a world of changing technology.

Let’s look at the RULES that affect our youth game this up and coming season.

1)Free kicks: No attacking players in the wall

From next season on, we’re going to see an interesting change to the way free kicks are taken.

The IFAB has approved a rule change which prohibits attacking players – ie those from the team on attacking from the free kick – from being in the wall.

Specifically, when there is a wall of three or more players attackers are not allowed within one yard of it.

Any attacking player found to be less than one yard from the wall when a free kick is taken will be penalized and the other team will be rewarded with an indirect free kick.

2)Goal kicks

Changes to the nature of goal kicks have altered the dynamic of restarting the game.

Previously, the ball was deemed ‘dead’ until it left the penalty area, but a new change means that the ball is in play as soon as it is touched and it can be played inside the 18-yard box.

Early confusion around this rule led the IFAB to clarify that opposition players are still not allowed in the box until the ball is played.

3)Kick-off

From 2019-20 on, the team that wins the coin toss has a choice of picking which half to attack or to take first kick-off.

The thinking behind this rule is that many players will opt to take kick-off since a goal can be scored directly from one.

4)Yellow & red cards for coaches

In order to clamp down on difficult behavior from coaches who don’t see eye to eye with the referee or their opposite number, officials will be able to show them yellow or red cards, in the same way, they do with players.

If in the event of a touchline melee, for example, the offending individual cannot be identified for punishment, the senior coach who is in the technical area will be the default recipient.

5)Handball: Accidental offenses deemed free kicks

The IFAB has attempted to provide more clarity on the handball offense for occasions when the offense is deemed to be ‘non-deliberate’.

Essentially, the changes will mean that there will be no goal in cases where the ball accidentally strikes a player’s hand before crossing over the line.

Similarly, if a player has accidentally handled the ball and created an advantage or subsequently scores, they will be penalized with a free-kick.

6)Penalty kicks: Goalkeepers must have at least one foot on line

The issue of penalty kicks has cropped up a few times in recent years and the trend has been towards reducing the freedom of the goalkeeper.

That hasn’t changed with the latest update to the rules, which dictate that the shot-stopper must not be moving or touching the goalposts.

The new rule changes also say that the goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on or in line with the goal-line.

“Allowing the goalkeeper to have only one foot touching the goal line (or, if jumping, in line with the goal line) when the penalty kick is taken is a more practical approach as it is easier to identify if both feet are not on the line,” goes the IFAB’s explanation.

“As the kicker can ‘stutter’ in the run, it is reasonable that the goalkeeper can take one step in anticipation of the kick.”

As well as those points, the penalty taker will now be permitted to receive a quick treatment if necessary before taking the kick.

6)Drop ball no longer competitive

The dropped ball is no more. Well, at least not as we know it.

If play is stopped inside the penalty area the ball will simply be dropped for the goalkeeper.

If it is stopped outside the penalty area the ball will be dropped for a player from the team that last touched the ball. In all cases, players will have to be at least four and a half yards away.

Here’s the IFAB’s explanation: “The current dropped ball procedure often leads to a ‘manufactured’ restart which is ‘exploited’ unfairly (e.g. kicking the ball out for a throw-in deep in the opponents’ half) or an aggressive confrontation.

“Returning the ball to the team that last played it restores what was ‘lost’ when play was stopped, except in the penalty area where it is simpler to return the ball to the goalkeeper.

“To prevent that team gaining an unfair advantage, all players of both teams, except the player receiving the ball, must be at least 4m (4.5 yds) away.”

7)The Referee is no longer apart of play

Previously if the Ball hit the referee and changed possession it was played on as normal. Now if the ball hits an official (Ref) and a change of possession happens, it will now be a non-contested drop ball for the team who lost possession.

We hope this helps you for the up and coming season.

BUSA is Excited to Announce a New Sponsor!

Land O’Frost

Land O’ Frost Sandwich Meat will now be one of our Platinum Level Sponsors and help support several layers of programming within our organization. Andrew Brower on the new sponsorship, “Land O’ Frost is committed to helping youth sports excel in our country. Their mission statement is consistent with our philosophies and someone we feel will be a valued partner for many years to come”

New Land O’ Frost Youth Sports App!

Do you buy Land O Frost products? Do you want to help BUSA?

Well,  A Great way to help BUSA soccer is with the Land O’ Frost youth sports initiative.

Learn more and get the app here

2019/20 New Staff for the North and South Programs.

BUSA would like to take a moment and welcome some new faces for next season.

We continue to grow we need more great coaches we are excited to welcome some new faces.

Introducing to you…

Alberto Pita

I was born and raised in Coruña, Spain where I played for several academies, including my hometown club Deportivo de La Coruña. Shortly after retiring as a player, I began coaching youth soccer and have done so ever since. During that time, I also earned an undergraduate degree in Tourism and a master’s degree in Tourism Planning and Management from the University of Coruña.

I came to the United States five years ago and accepted a position as Director of Coaching at Florida Elite Soccer Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. I also worked as Assistant Head Coach for the women’s soccer team at Trinity Baptist College. During my time at Florida Elite, I have achieved five Regional Championships, including Florida Elite’s first back-to-back regional championship, and three State Championships including two in spring 2019. In addition, I directed the Girls Program (u9 to u12) as well as the Junior Academy program for ages 5-8, developing the club’s youngest players and nurturing a love for the game. I currently hold a UEFA A License as well as a USSF National D License.

When not at the fields, you can find me supporting Deportivo as they battle for promotion to La Liga.

Sam Irvin

I grew up playing Academy at BUSA and Georgia United.

I went to college where I played NCAA D1 soccer at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. At SJU I was a four-year starter where I had more than 4700 minutes played and was an All Philadelphia Soccer Six Rookie Team.

I have coached summer camps in college along with coached Super 8s.

Mike Dowling

I grew up in Liverpool England where I played for a number of professional academies such as Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers before making the Morecambe FC team in League two. I came over to America to earn my college degree and played fours years at Chowan University. I moved to Alabama to pursue my masters degree and coaching career at Montevallo University.

During my time in America, I have had the opportunity to coach high school soccer, club soccer, Coerver coaching, Footballer 1v1, and volunteered for the women’s soccer team alongside being the GA for the men’s program at Montevallo University.

Joe Webb

I have taught and coached at Mountain Brook High School since 1996-97 school year recording over 400 wins during that time and have coached at BUSA, Briarwood, and Hoover soccer clubs.

In my coaching career, I won the Birmingham Metro Coach of the Year (1998, 2001, 2004, 2007-09, 2013), coached the North squad in the All Star game (2007, 2013, 2019), and coached four Gatorade Players of the Year (2002-03, 2004-05, 2009-10, 2010-2011).

I have my USSF C coaching license and NSCAA goalkeeper coaching license.

I have had the opportunity to be the Alabama High School representative for the United Soccer Coaches Association and the Liaison for the Mexican National team at the 1996 Olympics.

Anthony Huynh

Anthony Huynh has 20 + years of soccer experience and knowledge playing throughout high school and competitively in an adult league. He spent 2 years as an assistant coach for Huffman High School’s girls 96-98 varsity team.

He is very passionate about soccer and has been with BUSA since 2016 coaching recreational soccer for his son’s team.

Ryan M. Brown

I grew up playing in Birmingham for the American Jets (now BUSA) and Vestavia and played high school soccer for Pelham 94’-97’. After high school, I went to college and played for the University of the Cumberlands.

I have coached for BUSA Rec for roughly 10-12 years both Boys and Girls along with coaching at Briarwood for two years

2019/20 Coaching List Is HERE

BUSA would like to take a moment and welcome some new faces for next season.

We continue to grow we need more great coaches we are excited to welcome some new faces.

Introducing to you…

GIRLS

BOYS

ALABASTER

BUSA’s Academy is a founding member of the new Legion Developmental League.

Legion FC to sponsor developmental youth soccer league
Legion FC D-League merges six local youth clubs, addresses key developmental need for boys and girls

Alabama FC is excited to announce the International call up for Former Alumni Logan McFadden.

Logan, a current Lipscomb freshman and ASUN Defensive player of the year, has been called up to the Jamaican national team for the Pan Am Games in July.

Logan played up on our 99s as a striker before when BUSA became an ECNL club. She was an original member of the 00s ECNL team and one of only three players to play all the way through from creation to graduation.

Logan said “I am thankful that I have been given this amazing possibility to play against some of the best players in the world, I am grateful for all of my coaches and teammates that helped me. I hope to improve and make them proud if I get to play in any games”

Director of Coaching Ben Parks Logan’s former Coach had this to say, “Birmingham United is so proud of Logan. Her approach to training, games, and everything in-between combined with her natural athletic presence has truly made her great. She is deserving of every accolade she is now receiving.”

Jamaica will play Mexico in the opening match.

The Lima 2019 Pan American Games will open on July 26, 2019, at a ceremony which will take place at the National. This continental event will gather 6680 athletes from 41 countries and delegations from the Americas.

Alabama FC is excited to announce the International call up for Patrick “DIBA” Nwegbo.

Diba, a current Alabama F.C. 02 ECNL player, has been called up to the Nigerian U-17 national team for its training camp ahead of the U-17 African Cup of Nations opener against Tanzania in April.

Coach Manu Garba has been keeping a close eye on Patrick and has given him his chance to earn a roster spot.

Patrick said “It’s such an honor to get an opportunity like this. I am so grateful to Alabama F.C. and my coaches for putting such faith in me and guiding me.  The ECNL has pushed me to be better and helped prepare me for this next step.  A chance like this hardly comes to fruition, so I am determined to make my teammates, coaches, and family proud.”

Assistant Director of Coaching Matt Bellamy also Diba’s Coach had this to say, “Diba has the rare combination of power, speed, and elusiveness on the ball. He also has that magic in his locker that can change a game.  In addition, he is a tremendous worker and possesses great character both on and off the pitch. I’m confident this young man will continue to achieve great things both in life and in his soccer career. This is a great opportunity for Diba,  and I’m so proud and happy for him and his family.”

Nigeria U-17 have been zoned in Group A, alongside hosts Tanzania, Angola, and Uganda in the preliminary round of the 2019 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

The draw took place on Thursday evening, as the Golden Eaglets will be making their ninth appearance in the biennial football fiesta.  They qualified for the tournament after emerging as champions of the WAFU-UFOA Zone B U-17 Championship.  The top four teams of the tournament will qualify for the 2019 Fifa U-17 World Cup in Peru as the C.A.F. representatives.