FROM STAFF REPORTS

NORTH SHELBY — Several Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) teams from across the Southeast will converge on the city of Birmingham to compete in the Southeast Conference Tournament. Hosted by the Birmingham United Soccer Association (BUSA) and Alabama FC, the tournament will be held at Oak Mountain High School Soccer Stadium Saturday, July 12-13.

WPSL teams participating in the tournament will be the Knoxville Lady Force, Alabama FC, Chattanooga FC, and FC Nashville Wolves.

The WPSL is an independent national soccer league based in California with teams from across the nation whose primary goal is to provide high level soccer for players who are currently playing collegiately, former collegiate players, or very talented high school age players. The WPSL has produced a multitude of prominent players including US Women’s National team stars Abby Wambach, Brandi Chastain, Heather Mitts, and others.

“We could not be more pleased to host these amazing athletes for this event,” BUSA Executive Director Andrew Brower wrote in a release. ”The skill level of these athletes continues to improve with each year, and we’re excited about that. Soccer continues to be the number one youth sport in the US, and to see athletes of this caliber competing, it’s a good thing for the future of US soccer on all kinds of levels.”

The Southeast Conference Tournament will begin July 12 at 5:00 p.m. with the Knoxville Lady Force facing off against FC Nashville Wolves, followed at 7:30 p.m.with Alabama FC versus Chattanooga FC. The championship match will be held Sunday at 5:00 p.m. All games to be played at Oak Mountain High School Soccer Stadium, with an admission of $5.

Brower wrote, “This is a great opportunity for the Birmingham community to have an in-person experience with high quality soccer – and have a great time.”