HUNTSVILLE — With the traditionally strong high school programs and as host of the Alabama High School Athletic Association state soccer championships, Huntsville has long been known for its soccer enthusiasm.
That enthusiasm is soaring to another level with the Huntsville City Football Club. The team is off to a strong start in the season leading up to Friday’s home opener at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.
Plans have also been announced for the HCFC Academy that will debut in the fall, a significant development for youth soccer that will provide an elite local training ground for the game’s future stars.
“From Day 1, we’ve challenged HCFC to grow soccer throughout our community,” said Huntsville City Administrator John Hamilton. “They’ve certainly done that at the MLS NEXT Pro level and now it’s happening at the youth level. The addition of MLS NEXT being built with great partnerships with our existing clubs takes us to a whole new level.”
“It’s time to elevate soccer in North Alabama,” said Babyele Sodade, the coach of the Huntsville High boys soccer team. “As part of the Nashville SC family, HCFC Academy is bringing MLS NEXT to our region, uniting the top talent under elite coaching and a true development pathway. Players will have access to the highest level of competition, top-tier training, and national exposure, allowing them to chase their dreams while staying local.”
MLS NEXT is an elite youth soccer league in the United States that develops top players through high-level competitions and professional training standards. It includes MLS Club academies and top independent programs (MLS NEXT Elite Academies), offering a pathway to college, professional soccer and national teams.
“We are pleased to launch this new opportunity for youth soccer players in North Alabama,” said Chad Emerson, Huntsville City FC managing director of business operations. “The Young Boys in Blue will have a chance to learn from some of the best and brightest soccer minds in the region and represent North Alabama both on and off the pitch.”
The HCFC Academy will follow three core principles:
- Prioritize the best interests of the youth athlete and their family
- Provide north Alabama and the Tennessee Valley direct access to the highest level of youth competitive soccer
- Actively engage local soccer organizations to develop mutually beneficial collaborative opportunities
“MLS NEXT bridges the gap between youth soccer and collegiate or professional opportunities, keeping more players engaged and on the path to success,” Bob Jones High boys soccer coach Michael Parker said. “By uniting north Alabama’s top talent under professional coaching and top-tier competition, we create a high-performance environment that nurtures homegrown players.
“This pathway provides the exposure and development needed for local athletes to reach the next level.”
The academy will feature U13 and U14 teams in the fall and new age groups will be added until a full U13-U19 program is established.
“MLS NEXT offers the highest level of youth soccer in the country, providing top competition and elite development,” said Amar Amin, an A-licensed youth soccer coach. “Players can train and compete at the national level without having to leave north Alabama or the Tennessee Valley. This pathway ensures that local talent gets the exposure and opportunities needed to succeed in college and beyond.”
HCFC’s success on the field and the launch of the MLS NEXT academy all adds up to exciting soccer in Huntsville both now and in the future.
To register, visit mls-huntsvillecityfc.byga.net/…/5gqrmiwuak/signup
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