In 1979, Birkey departed WPC as a Conference and West Coast All-Star and left for South America the following summer. While there, he taught physical education and coached soccer at Christiansen Academy in Rubio, Venezuela, and played as a striker for Zulia FC then moving to the prestigious Deportivo Táchira soccer club in San Cristobal. As an American international, Birkey became popular on and off the pitch in Venezuela, earning him the nickname "El Torito Blanco" among local soccer fans for his relentless work ethic, tenacious style of play and off-field engagement in common public life.