FROM STAFF REPORTS

ALABASTER – Birmingham United Soccer Association is pleased to announce the launch of the south-central Shelby County branch in Alabaster.

The branch in Alabaster will have boys and girls soccer teams from U-9 to U-12, along with tryouts to form older teams. Thompson High School’s Larry Simmons Stadium will be the primary field of use for this new location.

Rusty Cowley, Thompson boys coach, and Dan DeMasters, Thompson girls coach, will serve as the Academy Directors of the new BUSA branch.

“BUSA is thrilled to be launching a new branch in Alabaster for the 2019-2020 season,” stated Andrew Brower, Executive Director of Birmingham United Soccer Association. “We have developed a world-class staff to grow and develop soccer in south-central Shelby County and look forward to what the future has to hold.”

Rusty Cowley is a graduate of Thompson High School and played four seasons of collegiate soccer at Huntindgon College. Cowley is entering his sixth season as head varsity coach at Thompson High School.

DeMasters spent five years as head coach at Oak Mountain High School of the boys team where he won several state championships, and has a background in collegiate coaching as well. He played for the Birmingham Hammers in 2017 and Villanova University from 2004-2008.

“We have compiled a great staff to work with the players of BUSA Alabaster,” stated Jay Hammond, Director of BUSA the new branch. “The experience and knowledge that these coaches bring to the table will undoubtedly guide BUSA Alabaster to unprecedented success.”

The BUSA Alabaster coaching staff consists of a former US Youth Soccer coach and national collegiate champion, three former college soccer players and two Alabama High School Coach of the Year recipient winners.

For additional information on BUSA Alabaster visit www.birminghamunited.com/Busa-Alabaster or call the BUSA Soccer Office at 205-977-9038.

BUSA is a full-service soccer club whose goal is to serve all who want to play soccer within our local communities, the state of Alabama and beyond. It is our goal that through the beautiful game of soccer, that we will teach our players the proper life values of hard work, determination, accountability, and sportsmanship.

It is BUSA’s goal to teach our players to empower, enrich, and excel within their community, and use the life skills learned through soccer to leave the world a better place. Birmingham United Soccer Association is a 501-C-3 organization that caters to thousands of members throughout central Alabama.