Business Details
30 Years
experience
Youth Soccer Programs in Birmingham, AL
NorthStar Soccer Ministries was founded in 1996 with a mission to use soccer as a platform for youth development in underserved communities. Our organization focuses on cultivating responsibility, resilience, and reverence through structured sports programs and mentorship. Over 28 years, we've expanded from local outreach to operating travel teams in regional leagues while maintaining our commitment to accessible intramural programs. Our staff combines professional expertise with deep community ties, having grown participation from 65 to over 240 youth through strategic partnerships with schools and churches.We emphasize holistic development within a Christ-centered environment, creating pathways for players to advance to competitive leagues while fostering spiritual growth and community engagement. Our board includes experienced leaders in education, communications, and nonprofit management who guide our programming and partnerships. We maintain transparency through detailed parent resources and regular community updates while seeking continuous improvement through volunteer involvement and program evaluations.
Services
Youth Soccer Programs
Intramural Leagues
Travel Teams
Coaching Clinics
Parent Resources
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We provide free and low-cost programs for underserved communities
- Our staff includes certified coaches with regional league experience
- We operate within a Christ-centered environment promoting character development
- We partner with local schools and churches for expanded community access
- We offer pathways from intramural play to competitive travel teams
Services
Youth Soccer Programs
Structured soccer programs for urban youth aged 6-18, combining technical skill development with character education. Our curriculum emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship within a Christ-centered framework. Programs include both recreational and competitive pathways.
Intramural Leagues
Community-based leagues for U6-U12 players focusing on fundamental skills and enjoyment. Teams organized by neighborhood with games played at local fields. Emphasis on participation, fair play, and building foundational soccer abilities.
Travel Teams
Advanced teams competing in Central Alabama Soccer League and Alabama State League divisions. Players selected through tryouts receive elite coaching and participate in regional tournaments. Development pathway for serious soccer players seeking higher competition.
Coaching Clinics
Specialized training sessions for players and coaches focusing on technical skills, tactical awareness, and leadership development. Clinics led by experienced staff with collegiate soccer backgrounds and professional coaching certifications.
Parent Resources
Comprehensive support system for families including schedules, field locations, volunteer opportunities, and program updates. Online portal provides easy access to all necessary information for active participation in our soccer programs.
People
Paul Neville
Founder & Executive Director
Founded NorthStar in 1996 after receiving Master's degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Birmingham-Southern College. Has led the organization's transformation from community outreach to specialized soccer ministry while maintaining residence in Birmingham's Smithfield Community since 1993.
Victoria Deen
Financial Developer
Manages fundraising and donor relations while coaching the U19 Girls State League team. Combines marketing expertise from Covenant College with community engagement experience to support NorthStar's financial sustainability and player development initiatives.
Harrison Neville
Operations Director
Oversees daily operations and coaches the U14 boys team. Also serves as editor-in-chief of The Sunrise News while managing communications for The Montevallo Legacy Project, bringing diverse organizational experience to NorthStar's administrative functions.
Cora Dickinson
Marketing and Program Director
Coordinates marketing efforts and program development while coaching the U14 ASL Boys team. Applies education degree from UAB and personal soccer experience to create effective youth engagement strategies and community outreach initiatives.
Michelle Chambers
Registrar
Manages player registration and parent coordination since 2015. Utilizes UAB education background and clinical research experience to maintain organized records while supporting her daughters' participation in NorthStar programs.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children ages 6-18 with U6-U12 intramural leagues and competitive travel teams for older youth.
How can my child join a team?
Register through our website or contact us directly for placement in intramural leagues or tryouts for travel teams.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes, we welcome volunteer coaches, mentors, and event helpers. Training is provided for all volunteer positions.
How are donations used?
Contributions fund equipment, field maintenance, coaching development, and scholarships for families needing financial assistance.
Where are your facilities located?
We operate at three main locations: Legion Field Stadium, Hemphill Elementary School, and Holy Rosary Soccer Field in Birmingham.
