National Premier Soccer League adds Birmingham Hammers

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) has added the Birmingham Hammers (Birmingham, AL) to the league as an expansion team. The new club will compete in the South Region’s Southeast Conference.

“Birmingham is a tremendous soccer market,” NPSL Chairman Joe Barone commented. “We are thrilled to have the Hammers as our league’s newest expansion team. They are joining an incredible conference in a region that is experiencing great success on and off the field.”

The club is led by a number of individuals, including President/GM Morgan Copes and Executive VP/Co-Founder John Killian.

Copes has played collegiately, semi-professionally, and has his USSF “B” License. Copes is also the former assistant to the GM of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Tornados. Copes manages the day-to-day operations for the organization and leads both executive and board meetings.

Killian currently works at Soccer 365, Inc., a subsidiary of World Soccer Shop, in sports marketing and branding. Killian uses his knowledge to maintain strong brand recognition for the Hammers, assists in marketing efforts and handles the announcing during home matches.

“We chose the NPSL because we felt it gave us the best opportunity to be successful both on and off the field while playing regional opponents,” Copes added. “It’s going to be wonderful to begin to establish some regional rivalries with some nearby cities.’

The Hammers will play home matches at Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, a venue that provides an intimate atmosphere for the fans and players. It holds around 2,000 and was the home of the Hammers during their 2015 season.

“We will offer yet another professional atmosphere in a major market of a power conference in the NPSL,” Copes concluded. “Chattanooga has been incredibly successful over the past few years and the rise of Nashville FC has been truly amazing. We hope to replicate the success of these two organizations both on and off the field.”