Recreational Program

Kick Off Their Soccer Journey with Fun and Growth!

What is Recreational Soccer?

At Vestavia Hills Soccer Club, Recreational Soccer provides a fun, inclusive, and low-pressure introduction to the game, focusing on participation, enjoyment, and player development for all skill levels.


To supplement our recreational programs, VHSC offers FREE U6+ and U8+ Supplemental Training during the spring season. These optional sessions are for motivated, advanced recreational players seeking additional training.


The U6+ and U8+ programs do not replace recreational soccer and do not affect team placement or league play. Players remain fully enrolled in their recreational teams while gaining extra training in a positive, age-appropriate environment led by licensed VHSC coaches.

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?

U6+ & U8+ Supplemental Training For Recreational Players

Optional, FREE training sessions for recreational players who want additional development in a fun, supportive environment.

U6+ Training Program

Saturdays & Liberty Park & Central

The VHSC U6+ Free Supplemental Training sessions give young players extra opportunities to build confidence, coordination, and comfort with the ball in a fun, pressure-free environment.


Sessions are led by licensed VHSC coaches and focus on simple ball skills, movement, and enjoyment through age-appropriate activities.


This program is FREE, optional, and designed to support player development without changing a child’s recreational team experience.

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

  • U6 Plus

    The VHSC U6+ Free Supplemental Training sessions give young recreational players extra opportunities to build confidence, coordination, and comfort with the ball in a fun, pressure-free environment.


    Sessions are led by licensed VHSC coaches and focus on simple ball skills, movement, and enjoyment through age-appropriate activities.


    This program is FREE, optional, and designed to support player development without changing a child’s recreational team experience.

  • U8 Program

    Team Practice:

    • Location: Liberty Park
    • Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
    • 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.

  • U8 Plus

    The VHSC U8 Plus Program provide motivated recreational players with additional technical repetitions and decision-making opportunities in a positive learning environment.


    Players work on ball control, 1v1 confidence, and small-sided play while continuing to enjoy their regular recreational season.

    Click to Register

  • U9–U12 Program

    Team Practice:

    • Location: Liberty Park
    • Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
    • Times: TBD (Set by coaches and remains consistent weekly).
    • Alternate Location: Central or Dolly Ridge (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday.

    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, Thursday, or Sunday
    • Times: TBD (Set by coaches, consistent weekly).

    Games:

    • Location: Varies
    • Days: Varies
    • Details: Games scheduled through the Alabama Soccer.
    Button

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.

  • 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

  • U6 Plus

    The VHSC U6+ Free Supplemental Training sessions give young recreational players extra opportunities to build confidence, coordination, and comfort with the ball in a fun, pressure-free environment.


    Sessions are led by licensed VHSC coaches and focus on simple ball skills, movement, and enjoyment through age-appropriate activities.


    This program is FREE, optional, and designed to support player development without changing a child’s recreational team experience.

    Click for more info!

  • U8 Program

    Team Practice:

    • Location: Central Field or Dolly Ridge
    • Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
    • 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

  • U8 Plus

    The VHSC U8 Plus program provides motivated recreational players with additional technical repetitions and decision-making opportunities in a positive learning environment.


    Players work on ball control, 1v1 confidence, and small-sided play while continuing to enjoy their regular recreational season.

    Click for more info!

  • U9–U12 Program

    Team Practice:

    • Location: Central Field
    • Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
    • Times: TBD (Set by coaches and remains consistent weekly).
    • Alternate Location: Central or VHEE (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday).

    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

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 BORN BETWEEN
U19 college 08/01/2007-07/31/2008
U18 12th 08/01/2008-07/31/2009
U17 11th 08/01/2009-07/31/2010
U16 10th 08/01/2010-07/31/2011
U15 9th 08/01/2011-07/31/2012
U14 8th 08/01/2012-07/31/2013
U13 7th 08/01/2013-07/31/2014
U12 6th 08/01/2014-07/31/2015
U11 5th 08/01/2015-07/31/2016
U10 4th 08/01/2016-07/31/2017
U9 3rd 08/01/2017-07/31/2018
U8 1st/2nd 08/01/2018 - 07/31/2020
U6 4K/K 08/01/2020 - 07/31/2022
U4 08/01/2022 - 12/31/2023

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.