Pell City FC

Programs and age groups

The Academy focuses on boys and girls in the U9–U12 range and is open to ages seven through twelve, with emphasis on individual skill and concept execution rather than roster results alone. Competitive Academy soccer targets players who are serious about improving; athletic, coachable beginners may be accommodated while expecting a challenging setting. Personal training is available to players whether or not they are in the Academy, with small-group sessions typically sized for about two to six players and one-on-one training available on request; the program is generally geared to players about seven and older, with younger players steered toward individual sessions. Summer clinics split a younger track for ages four through six and an advanced track for ages seven through eighteen.

Academy structure, training, and games

The Academy does not use fixed rosters; placement stays performance-based so players can be matched to the training and competition they need. Training runs three evenings per week on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with each session lasting about ninety minutes. In colder months or low light, sessions may move to an indoor gym, using cleats outdoors and indoor shoes when inside. Licensed coaches lead training. Players wear an Academy training uniform to sessions and bring shin guards, water, and a size four ball; a coachable attitude is expected.

League games usually fall on Saturday mornings or afternoons across the Birmingham metro, including communities such as Vestavia, Homewood, Trussville, and Hoover, with occasional Sunday matches after 1:00 p.m. Weeknight friendlies sometimes occur. A typical league season includes about six to seven scheduled league games for a submitted team, while player movement, friendlies, and tournaments can push total matches higher over a season. The Academy fields co-ed groups rather than girls-only teams at this age band.

Uniforms, tournaments, and add-on costs

Uniforms are not bundled with acceptance. After a jersey number is assigned, families order through soccer.com; the standard kit includes home, away, and alternate jerseys, a training jersey, two pairs of shorts, and two pairs of socks, with a base cost around $135 before optional items such as a backpack or warm-ups. Uniforms are PUMA-branded, with designs staying stable for multiple years between updates.

Players may be invited to roughly four tournaments in the fall and spring; local tournaments are commonly billed about $45–$65 per player depending on the event and roster size, in addition to travel for a spring trip to Destin, Florida, that requires hotel and transportation. Tournament selection is performance-based, with U10 and U12 groups commonly traveling.

Personal training and summer clinics

Personal training promotes technical growth alongside confidence and teamwork in small-group settings, with individualized coaching layered in. Summer clinics use ninety-minute sessions for the older group and sixty-minute sessions for ages four through six at 100 Mount Pisgah Drive, Cropwell; families may purchase single sessions or packages, with a skill-intensive clinic model rather than a traditional multi-day camp format.

Mission, operations, and how to reach the club

The mission is to run a premier developmental academy that pairs experienced coaching with structured training and outward pathways while stressing sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork. On the field, the club teaches an attacking, possession-based style: playing out of the back, progressing through lines to create chances, and defending with quick recovery high up the pitch. Culture is built around Panther PRIDE—Passion, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence. Day-to-day scheduling and updates run through the BYGA app once families are in the program. Shane C. Bell serves as Executive Director (USSF D License), Jason Womack as Academy Director (USSF D License), and Chase Rogers leads technical development (Grassroots certified). New families can start with the Player Interest Form, use the contact form, call +1-410-969-8978, or email shane@pellcityfc.com. The mailing address is 100 Mount Pisgah Drive, Cropwell, AL 35054.