In partnership with Birmingham United Soccer Association and Alabama FC, Legion’s USL W League team will provide new opportunity for local, elite female players
BIRMINGHAM, AL (Feb. 9, 2023) – In conjunction with the United Soccer League, Birmingham Legion FC announced today the launch of a USL W League team that will compete in the upcoming 2023 season.
Legion’s W League team will provide a new pathway for local, elite female players between college and professional soccer. In partnership with Birmingham United Soccer Association/Alabama Football Club, the team will identify and grow talent in women’s soccer.
Built to spark passion for the game in a new generation and new group of fans, Birmingham Legion’s W League team will give the Magic City a chance to show up for soccer in a new way.
Legion FC’s President and General Manager Jay Heaps said, “Women’s soccer in Alabama continues to grow each year. It’s essential to our soccer community. Legion FC’s mission, through our partnership with Alabama FC, is to continue the development of the talented players in this area with a pathway to professional soccer.“
“We are excited to partner with Legion FC with the USL W League launch in Birmingham. We’re excited about the opportunity to continue to provide extraordinary women exceptional pathways for continued growth and development,” said BUSA/Alabama FC Executive Director Andrew Brower. “The USL W League aligns with our values and will continue to serve hundreds of our former alumni playing collegiate and or professional soccer.”
The USL W League, a pre-professional pathway to develop the next generation of women’s talent on and off the field, kicks off its second season in May with 65 teams across 23 states.
“We are thrilled to welcome Birmingham to the W League for the 2023 season,” said Amanda Vandervort, USL Super League and W League President. “Soccer in the South continues to gain momentum, and we look forward to seeing some great regional rivalries develop in the W League.”
“This is a special moment for Birmingham, a place that thrives on hard work and perseverance as it creates its own version of magic,” said Joel Nash, Birmingham native and the USL’s VP of Youth and Pre-Pro Properties. “There’s always been a hotbed of talent, from vibrant youth soccer, to universities on the national scale and even individuals competing on the international stage. As a native of “the Ham,” I’m delighted to see Legion create a home to support so much talent.”
The Birmingham W League team’s name, players, and schedule will be unveiled in the coming weeks via Birmingham Legion FC social media channels and the USL Championship Club’s website – bhmlegion.com.
