Sponsored by
About the Academy Program
The Tuscaloosa United Soccer Club Academy Program is designed for boys and girls in the U9–U12 age groups (typically 8–11 years old). The Academy serves as a bridge between Recreational and Competitive Soccer, offering a more structured, development-focused experience for young players who are ready for a higher level of commitment.
Academy teams compete in the Alabama Youth Academy Program and the Development League (D-League), both organized by the Alabama Soccer Association. The focus of the program is on individual player development, rather than team results, in a child-centered environment that emphasizes fun, safety, learning, and a love for the game.
The Academy is led by Coach Barry Spitzer, Executive Director of Tuscaloosa United Soccer Club. With over 38 years of experience in youth athletics and credentials including a US Soccer A License, Premier Diploma, and US Soccer Level 1 Technical Director certification, Coach Spitzer provides experienced leadership and guidance. Our professional coaching staff conducts two team practices each week, and Academy players participate in league games, playdates, and optional tournament opportunities each season.
Players are invited to join the Academy through evaluation sessions held each spring and fall. These sessions give players the chance to train and compete with others of similar ability and commitment, while enjoying a positive and rewarding youth soccer experience.
⚠️ Please Note: The Academy requires a higher level of commitment than Recreational Soccer. If your child plans to play multiple sports, we recommend continuing in the Recreational Program instead, where schedules are more flexible.
Academy Soccer
Invitation Only
Dates | Times
The Academy Program runs in both the Fall and Spring seasons each year.
Teams train twice a week, typically on Monday and Thursday from 5:30–7:00pm at Sokol North Complex. In addition, a weekly optional specialized training session is usually available, including dedicated goalkeeper training.
Teams will travel for games, with most competition taking place in the Birmingham area, though some home games are played at Sokol North Complex.
Academy Registration and Fees
Academy Registration & Fees
Participation in the Academy is by invitation only, based on player evaluations held in Spring and Fall. Registration can be completed online or in person at any Tuscaloosa County PARA Office (Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm).
There are three financial responsibilities for families participating in Academy Soccer:
- 1) Club Fee – $425 per season
- Covers coaching staff pay, team training, goalkeeper training, major equipment, facility use, and administrative costs. Club Fees are due each Fall and Spring season.
- 2) Team Fee – Varies by team
- Covers items such as tournament entry fees, referee costs, coach travel, team bonding events, and minor equipment. These are handled separately by the Team Manager.
- 3) Uniform – Ordered through Soccer.com
- Families will receive a link directly from Soccer.com to purchase the required uniform kit.
Fall 2025 Club Fee Payment Options
- Registration Deadline: May 30, 2025 (Requires a minimum $50 deposit toward Club Fees)
- Full Payment Due: July 25, 2025
- No automatic payments are available this season. Payments must be made through your PARA account or at a PARA Activity Center.
- Late Fee: A $50 late fee will be applied to accounts with unpaid deposits or Club Fees after June 6, 2025. Players with unpaid Club Fees will not be allowed to participate until all fees are paid.
⚠️ Note: Club Fees and registration must be completed before a player may participate. Team Fees will be collected later by the Team Manager.
Team fees will be handled by the team manager and charged separately at a later date.
Academy Soccer Evaluations
This spring, Academy Evaluations will be held on May 19-20, 2025, for players born in 2014-2017. These evaluations are to create teams to compete in the Fall 2025 soccer season of the Alabama Youth Academy Program and D-League.
Academy Evaluations: May 19-20, 2025
Players born in 2014*-2017
* The Alabama Soccer Association allows 2014 teams to be placed in either the Alabama State League (Competitive) or the D-League (Academy). Tuscaloosa United Soccer Club will make the league determination for the 2014 teams after evaluations.
Evaluations for Academy Soccer are held twice each year—once in the Spring and once in the Fall. All players interested in joining the Tuscaloosa United Soccer Club Academy must attend an evaluation to be considered for placement.
We strongly encourage every interested player to attend the scheduled evaluation dates to ensure the best opportunity to be seen by our coaching staff.
⚠️ If a player is unable to attend due to a recent move to Tuscaloosa, injury, or other special circumstances, a Supplemental Evaluation may be requested by contacting the Executive Director directly.
Supplemental Evaluations are only offered to fill open roster spots, and space is not guaranteed after the initial evaluation period. These evaluations are held on a case-by-case basis and are used only to supplement existing teams.