Player Profile: Blake Walton

Goalkeeper for FC Birmingham

This is the first player profile that I've done, but I'll be looking to do more in the future.

Image provided by Blake Walton

The idea for this came about after going to my first FC Birmingham match, which I recapped a few weeks ago. One of the players that really stood out was the 18 year-old keeper for FCB, Blake Walton. He showed a lot of poise, and made some great saves. I wanted to know more about what led to the young keeper being the starter for a semi-pro team, so I did some research to learn a little more about him.

Blake's background in soccer began when he was just three years old, and he played other sports, including football and basketball, as well. He became a keeper at 10 years old, and played with some of the larger clubs in the area before becoming a starter for the freshman team at Vestavia Hills High School. For his sophomore season he transferred to Ramsay IB High School, where he has just wrapped up his career as the team captain. He's participated in several goalkeeper clinics, and recieved several college offers before committing to a division 1 program in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He was also part of the Alabama FC/BUSA team that won the 05/06 division of the SCCL (regional club champions league) in 2023, where the team scored 39 goals, while only conceding 5.

Image credit: Alabama FC/BUSA. The photo is from 18 months ago, and it looks like Blake had a growth spurt since then, standing today at 6'4” tall.

As I gathered information on Blake, I decided to reach out and get some more information directly from him.

(LA) In addition to soccer, I know you've played some other sports as well. What drove you to choose soccer as your primary focus?

(Blake) Because I realized my senior year that I had a good chance at going pro.

(LA) You've mentioned on recruiting profiles that you aspire to play professionally. Have you had interaction with coaches and staff from Birmingham Legion? I know some of the players have done some coaching with BUSA.

(Blake) No

(LA) Have you officially committed to a college program yet, and if so which one?

(Blake) I’m committed to play division 1 soccer at Mount St. Mary’s.

(LA) How many seasons have you played for FC Birmingham?

(Blake) I am currently playing my second season right now.

(LA) How did you end up with FC Birmingham (do you know people with the club)?

(Blake) One of the owners of the club watched me play at a high school game and liked how I played, so he brought me in for a training session to see if I could play at the level and I did well so they kept me on the team.

(LA) Do you have plans to play for a Summer league team (USL League Two, NPSL, etc)?

Yes, my coach at Mount St. Mary’s wants me to come down to Georgia for a bit to train/play with his USL 2 team during the summer. Also, I may train/play with FC Birmingham during the summer as well.

(LA) What's your biggest interest outside of soccer?

(Blake) Traveling

(LA) Who would be your dream club to play for professionally?

(Blake) Barcelona.

(LA) What's your favorite moment of your career so far?

(Blake) When I received my first D1 offer.

(LA) What you want someone to know about you that they might not see in a highlight video, or read in a recruiting profile?

(Blake) I love to try new things.

Image provided by Blake Walton

One of the things to note about the answers above is that the college coach that he'll be playing for is Brett Teach. Teach is also the head coach for Columbus United, which immediately brings Blake into the orbit of the Hitchcock family of clubs, which have shown to be a good path to the professional ranks. And I'm hopeful that he can get a workout for the Legion organization, to get him into their purview as well. I'll update everyone here as Blake's career progresses, as I believe that there are big things in store for him. And I'd like to thank him for taking the time to help me out with this piece.