Jay Heaps Hammers Down on Soccer’s Growth in Birmingham and Beyond

RCB President Jeff Stone and Rotarian Jim Rein with Jay Heaps

This week, the Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) welcomed Jay Heaps, CEO and Head Coach of Birmingham Legion FC.

Heaps shared his journey from professional soccer player to leading Birmingham Legion FC, discussing the growth of the club and its efforts to build a strong soccer culture throughout the region. He highlighted the team's role in expanding interest in the sport and creating opportunities for players and fans alike.

With the FIFA Club World Cup currently underway and set to return to North America next year, Heaps discussed the momentum behind soccer's growing popularity in the United States. He emphasized the importance of increasing support and enthusiasm for the game at all levels, from youth programs to the professional ranks, and the positive impact that growth can have on communities like Birmingham.

Bio for Jay Heaps

Jay Heaps joined Birmingham Legion FC in February 2018 as President & General Manager before the club took the field in 2019. He previously spent six seasons as Head Coach of the New England Revolution, leading the team to top-three finishes twice in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference and the Final of the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Heaps played soccer and basketball at Duke University, winning the MAC Hermann Trophy. During his professional soccer career, he played for the Miami Fusion, the New England Revolution, and the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team, earning four caps at the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.