Birmingham Backline Podcast

This week on the Birmingham Backline Podcast: Morgan Copes, Director of Business Operations for Legion FC. Years again, Morgan and friends shared the idea of bring professional soccer to Birmingham. We ask him about starting a soccer club from scratch, his favorite Hammers memories, and what it felt like to see 5,800 Legion Supporters for the first match. Hammer down!

This week, the Backline talks to Dr. Darin White, Executive Director of the Samford University Center for Sports Analytics and Chair of Entrepreneurship, Management & Marketing Department. We discuss his involvement with the Hammers and Legion FC, key data points in soccer, what makes soccer unique as a sport, and key factors for Legion moving forward. Thank you to Dr. White for the conversation and insight. Hammer Down! More info on Dr. White at https://www.samford.edu/business/directory/White-Darin

This week, two of the Backline hosts breakdown the 0-1 loss by Birmingham Legion to the Ottawa Fury. Team performance, player performance, and our take on the new signings are all up for debate.

This week the Backline breaks down the first match in Legion FC History. Thoughts on player performance, moments of the match, things to watch in the future, and a call to keep up the momentum!

This week, the hosts sit down with Legion players: Striker, Chandler Hoffman and Defensive Midfielder, Mikey Lopez. The group discusses Birmingham's growth, soccer in America, their paths to Legion, and what they're looking forward to this season. Thanks to the guys for giving us their time!

This episode: the Backline hosts discuss their predictions for each Legion match of the USL Championship regular season, our final point total, and who we the our key players are for a successful season.

Newly renovated BBVA Compass Field opened for the first time and we were there! On February 16, our Birmingham Legion played a friendly against the soon-to-be MLS side Nashville SC. The Backline hosts discuss pre-match festivities, our starting XI, team's performance, and our overall thoughts looking forward to March 9th's regular season opener.

Interview Special! The Backline talks with Nashville Assembly Supporters Group President Jason about USL, MLS, both teams, soccer in the south, and building a culture of soccer fandom. Thank you to Jason for joining us!

This episode, we discuss USL rivalry teams, preparations for our first preseason home match against Nashville SC, and our take on the team's time at the Tampa Training Camp.

This episode, the Backline hands over the mic to the Magic City Brigade during the first social of the 2019 Season and asks them, "What are you most excited about this season?" Predicted by everyone: chaos and a good time ensue. Thank you to every member who participated and special thanks to Birmingham District Brewery.

February 2, 2019 Interview with Matt Van Oekel, Goalkeeper for Birmingham Legion FC. Hosts discuss training camp, superheroes on the team, recreation in Birmingham, and what to expect from MVO on the pitch.

TEAM BREAKDOWN The Backline hosts review the 2019 roster, as of recording, and give our thoughts on the makeup of our inaugural team.

Extra Episode This is what happens when the podcast is over and soccer fans just shoot the breeze. Soccer vs other sports, why we love the beautiful game, and comparing excitement for Birmingham Legion FC to Birmingham Iron Football.

BHAM Backline Podcast: Episode 2 – The Role of Supporters This episode the guys: Answer listener questions and give shout-outs. Discuss what we love about the soccer fan experience. Highlight a local Birmingham boy who was signed to Bayern Munich. Review Legion's nearby rivals and their history. How soccer players progress through the development league to top-tier. Discuss how the supporters can help Legion scale up.

BHAM Backline Podcast: Episode 1 – Host Introductions This episode: We introduce our hosts: Scott Crawford, Clay Grisetti, Simon Iles, and Glenn Stephens. Discuss details about the soccer fan experience and why we love it. Share why we are members of the Magic City Brigade, the first supporter’s group of Legion FC. Give a highlight of the USL Championship League and our regional rivals. Get hyped for our locally-owned, grass-roots founded, dedicated pitch-playing, professional soccer team!