Burgers, Brews & Blues at Montgomery Whitewater is a lively community event featuring live music, great food, and family-friendly fun—all in support of a meaningful cause.
Guests will enjoy free entry to Montgomery Whitewater, activities for kids including a bouldering wall and low elements course, and brews available for purchase.
Food tickets are $15, with children 5 and under admitted free. All proceeds benefit the Downtown YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign. Get your tickets here.
Montgomery, AL (March 12, 2026) — The YMCA of Greater Montgomery is proud to announce it will assume operations of the Montgomery Miracle League, bringing adaptive baseball to children, teens, and adults with unique abilities across the River Region. Registration is now open for the Spring 2026 season, which will run April 4 through May 23. The Miracle League serves athletes ages 3 to 65+ with physical and intellectual disabilities, offering a safe, supportive baseball experience at no cost to families. Each athlete is paired with a volunteer “buddy” who aids on and off the field, ensuring every participant can fully engage in the game. The program will play and practice at Edward Thompson Park in Montgomery, AL. This transition builds on the YMCA’s growing commitment to adaptive sports. The YMCA currently offers TOPSoccer, an adaptive soccer program that has served families throughout the region, and the addition of the Miracle League allows the YMCA to reach even more youth and adults through inclusive, community-centered programming. “At the YMCA, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to play, belong, and grow — regardless of ability,” said AJ Hernandez, CEO and President of the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. “Taking on the Miracle League allows us to expand our reach and deepen our commitment to building an inclusive community where every individual is celebrated. This is what we do best — bringing people together and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.” Tavian Banks, Associate Vice President of Athletics, emphasized the impact of adaptive sports beyond the field. “These programs give kids confidence, build friendships, and create moments of joy that stay with families long after the season ends. We’re honored to help grow this opportunity in the River Region.” The YMCA is also seeking volunteer buddies to support athletes throughout the season. No experience is necessary — just a willingness to help every player shine. Families can register for the Spring Miracle League season now at www.ymcamontgomery.org. Additional details regarding the season kickoff, schedules, and volunteer opportunities will be shared in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.ymcamontgomery.org or contact your local branch. ### About the YMCA of Greater Montgomery: Since 1868, the YMCA of Greater Montgomery has been a cornerstone of the community, serving individuals and families through programs and services that promote health, wellness, education, and social responsibility. From state-of-the-art fitness facilities to youth development programs and volunteer opportunities, the YMCA is committed to strengthening the foundations of the community it serves.
Montgomery, Ala. — Montgomery United FC is proud to announce the addition of Abe Tizaf as Assistant Coach for the club’s USL League Two (USL2) team ahead of the upcoming summer season. Tizaf brings an accomplished coaching background, proven leadership, and a strong commitment to player development that aligns with Montgomery United’s long-term vision for growth on and off the field.
Tizaf currently serves as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Pellissippi State Community College, where he continues to build a competitive program rooted in development, culture, and community impact. His role with Montgomery United FC will be for the Summer USL2 season, supporting the USL2 program while continuing his responsibilities at Pellissippi State.
Head Coach Guilherme Soares expressed excitement about the appointment and the impact Tizaf will bring to the club.
“I am very pleased to welcome Abe as part of this project. I have followed his work at Pellissippi and have been consistently impressed by his work ethic, his genuine care for player development, and his clear soccer ideas, which align perfectly with what we are building in Montgomery. Most importantly, Abe is hungry to build a successful program, and no meaningful project is built alone. I am confident he will be an important asset to our club.”
Montgomery United FC Sporting Director Manny Sanchez added:
“Bringing Abe into Montgomery United FC is a huge step forward for our USL2 team. His experience, professionalism, and passion for developing players align perfectly with our vision. Abe has built winning environments everywhere he’s been, and I’m excited for our players and our community to benefit from his leadership this summer.”
Tizaf brings extensive experience across collegiate men’s and women’s soccer. Most recently, he served as Assistant Coach for the Women’s Soccer program at Young Harris College (NCAA Division II). Prior to that, he founded and led the Men’s Soccer program at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (NAIA) from 2017 to 2022, guiding the program to national qualification. His leadership earned him USCAA Coach of the Year honors (2019), along with back-to-back Southeast District Coach of the Year awards.
At the high school level, Tizaf led Terre Haute South High School to a sectional championship in 2015, recording the most wins in program history.
A former professional player with more than 120 matches played for KACM in Marrakech, Morocco, Tizaf holds multiple advanced degrees in Leadership DevelopmentPhysical Education – Coaching Soccer, and Recreation and Sport Management. He is also a member of the Faith-Based Coaches Strategy Team, emphasizing character, integrity, and holistic athlete development.
Tizaf shared his enthusiasm about joining the club and connecting with the Montgomery community:
“I am very happy to be part of this amazing club, and I truly feel that we are going to do great things together with our community. I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Manny and Coach Gui for their trust and confidence.”
Montgomery United FC continues to build a competitive, community-driven pathway for players through USL2 while strengthening the club’s identity and impact across the region.
About Montgomery United FC
Montgomery United FC is a pre-professional soccer club owned and operated by the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. The team competes in USL League Two, the top pre-professional men’s soccer league in the country and plays its home matches at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex Championship Stadium.
Follow us on Instagram: @montgomery_united_fc Visit: www.montgomeryunitedfc.com
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the 12th Annual YMCA Strides for Kids 5K Dash at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex. This exhilarating run is flat and super-fast. A Personal Best/PR awaits you! Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this event is designed for all fitness levels. Plus, your participation supports the YMCA Annual Support Campaign, which provides vital resources for community programs, scholarships, and more. "Run the Course, Live the Cause" and help us make an even bigger impact on our community.
YMCA of Greater Montgomery