Douglas Walk, the Owner and Founder of FC Birmingham, a soccer club based in our vibrant City of Birmingham. With a passion for soccer that dates back to 1989, I’ve dedicated my life to this beautiful sport.
Education and Expertise:
I graduated from The University of Alabama in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. In 2010, I became a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and in 2019, I completed SAFe Agile Training as a product owner.
Soccer Journey:
Since 2009, I’ve been actively involved in coaching soccer. It was in 2018 that I embarked on a remarkable endeavor by establishing Birmingham City FC, which later underwent a rebranding to become FC Birmingham. In 2020, we were privileged to be accepted into not just one, but three leagues as a semi-professional club – a significant milestone in our journey.
Passion and Impact:
My passion for soccer blossomed during my youth, when I transitioned from a baseball field to the soccer pitch. The sport’s fast pace and the need for constant teamwork intrigued me. Soccer, for me, has always been a game for problem solvers, where players must synchronize their actions and work together to overcome opponents.
Soccer’s influence extends beyond the game itself. It has allowed me to mentor and positively impact young athletes, while also bringing me closer to my own children. In my role as a leader, follower, and role model, I’ve embraced personal growth and discovered new aspects of my character.
Vision:
My vision for FC Birmingham is clear and ambitious. I strive to position our club as a frontrunner not only in our city but also in the state and region. By revolutionizing the perception of soccer, we aim to create a transformative pathway for players, empowering them to fulfill their dreams of playing at the college or professional level. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a thriving soccer community and ignite an enduring passion for the sport.
Approach and Message:
As a thinker, strategist, improver, and builder, I approach each aspect of the club with careful consideration. Being an introvert by nature and growing up as an only child, I have honed my skills in internal reflection and foreseeing potential outcomes. Every action produces a reaction, and I take pride in anticipating and navigating them like a game.
I firmly believe that every problem holds within it the potential for a solution. We are blessed with everything we need for this moment in time, and it is our responsibility to recognize the opportunities that lie before us.