June 22, 2020 – Los Angeles, CA – The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is pleased to announce FC Birmingham as its newest Division I member.

Based in Birmingham, AL, FC Birmingham will begin UPSL play in the 2021 Spring Season as part of the new Gulf Coast Division I. The club is finalizing its home venue in compliance with UPSL National Division I standards.

UPSL Gulf Coast Division Manager Quantis Lane said, "We're excited to welcome FC Birmingham to the UPSL. FC Birmingham is strategically positioned in one of the most historic cities in the South. The development of the FC Birmingham program over the years has been remarkable. They've been able to create a strong youth foundation to compete locally and regionally. I believe that they'll have one of the better teams in the Gulf Coast Division and become a household name for years to come. Doug Walk has done a tremendous job with the club. Now that FC Birmingham is in the UPSL I expect even bigger things in the future."

Doug Walk is Owner and President of FC Birmingham. A native of Alabama, Walk holds a USSF 'D' Coaching License.

"The original idea was to start with a youth academy and then build a Pro Development team but we ended up doing the opposite. With its cost-effective league fees, the UPSL allows us to give our players the professional experience and gives the club a chance to grow," Walk said.

DeLeon Fancher III is General Manager of FC Birmingham. Fancher III won an Alabama state title playing for Birmingham, AL's John Carroll Catholic High School and later played for the Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL).

"We can all agree that 2020 has been a challenging year so far but the silver lining was we were afforded more time. Once we received an invitation we immediately knew this was the right move. We are excited to join the fun, build relationships with other league members and play some high-level soccer," Walk said.

About FC Birmingham

FC Birmingham is an American Soccer club currently based in Birmingham, AL, and a new member of the United Premier Soccer League. FC Birmingham will play in the UPSL's Gulf Coast Division.

FC Birmingham can participate in the qualifying rounds for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup through their affiliation and membership with the UPSL, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

Contact
Email: info@fcbirmingham.com
Website: www.fcbirmingham.com
Facebook: /fcbham
Instagram: fcbham
Twitter: @fc_bham

United Premier Soccer League

The UPSL was formed in 2011 and currently includes more than 300 teams nationwide. The UPSL is the largest Pro Development League in North America. Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated.

UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league's affiliation with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

More information about UPSL can be found at www.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (www.facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer).

Contact UPSL:
info@upslsoccer.com
Direct: 888-405-UPSL (8775) and 714-379-4440

Media Relations:
Dennis Pope
dennis@upslsoccer.com
Direct: 951-675-3963
www.facebook.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague
www.twitter.com/unitedpremiersoccerleague