Birmingham Bash 2026: 6,000+ kids swarm metro soccer fields

If you notice kids wearing soccer shin guards and cleats with weary parents following behind them at local restaurants or retailers — they are likely participants this weekend in one of Alabama’s largest soccer tournaments.

400 soccer teams from 10 states

From Sept. 25th- 27th, Birmingham United Soccer Association/Alabama FC is hosting the 2026 Birmingham Bash Soccer Tournament presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors on fields all over the Birmingham-Metro area.

How big is this soccer tournament? Here’s how many teams, players and fans organizers expect:

• 400+ teams from 10 states
• 580+ games
• 6000 youth soccer players
• 18,000-22,000 family members, fans and supporters

This is the tournament’s 19th year. 

“We are thankful for many years of positive support from the community in addition to our outstanding relationships with our many partners, sponsors and municipalities to help make this event a success.  In addition to players and families we have over 175 referees, many volunteers and the 100 plus BUSA Director and Coaching staff who work tirelessly to make this such a wonderful fall tournament.”

Andrew Brower, Director, Birmingham United Soccer Association/Alabama FC

Birmingham Bash $9.6 million economic impact

In addition to bringing thousands of soccer families to The Magic City, the tournament pumps an estimated $9.6 million into local communities, according to the organizers.

Translation: expect busy restaurants, packed hotels and lots of orange slices at halftime.

Dan Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau says tournaments like the Birmingham Bash help bring visitors back to Birmingham for years to come.

“Events like the Birmingham Bash demonstrate why Birmingham is already one of the Southeast’s premier youth sports destinations. More than 400 teams and thousands of athletes and families will experience our region this weekend, and that kind of scale is a testament to the quality of our venues, our hospitality and our ability to host events of this caliber. The economic impact is significant, but just as important is the opportunity to welcome these families to Birmingham and give them a reason to come back.”

Want to learn about the Birmingham Bash and even catch a game or two this weekend? Visit the tournament website for details.