Thompson JV boys soccer coach reaches 250-win milestone

Coach Michael Wilbanks' career built partly on new local opponents like Pelham's Riverchase Middle School

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Thompson JV boys soccer coach Michael Wilbanks has reached a career milestone of 250 wins, a feat built in part on growing the sport in the Birmingham area with new local opponents like Pelham's Riverchase Middle School. The story traces how Wilbanks helped transform boys soccer from scarce early-2000s schedules into today's packed tryouts and thriving programs.

Why it matters

The growth of boys soccer programs in the Birmingham area, including new opponents for Thompson like Pelham's Riverchase Middle School, has helped coach Michael Wilbanks reach the impressive milestone of 250 career wins. This highlights the impact that dedicated coaches can have in developing youth sports and building community interest and participation.

The details

Coach Michael Wilbanks has been the Thompson JV boys soccer coach for many years, helping to grow the sport in the Birmingham area. When he started, boys soccer schedules were sparse, but Wilbanks worked to add new local opponents like Riverchase Middle School in Pelham. This expansion of the schedule and competition has contributed to Wilbanks reaching 250 career wins, a significant milestone for a high school coach.

  • Coach Wilbanks began as the Thompson JV boys soccer coach in the early 2000s.
  • Wilbanks has now reached 250 career wins as of the 2026 season.

The players

Michael Wilbanks

The Thompson JV boys soccer coach who has reached 250 career wins.

Riverchase Middle School

A Pelham middle school that has become a new local opponent for the Thompson JV boys soccer team, helping to grow the sport in the Birmingham area.

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The takeaway

The growth of youth soccer programs in the Birmingham area, facilitated by dedicated coaches like Michael Wilbanks adding new local opponents, demonstrates the positive impact that can come from expanding sports opportunities and community engagement at the grassroots level.