Perhaps you've heard of the Queen City Football Club? In late 2008, it became the Buffalo City Football Club following the departure of Chris Keem, owner and founder of the QCFC. Keem accepted a position as the Northeast Regional Manager of National Premier Soccer League, the league in which Buffalo City plays.
Instead of losing our team, a private investor acquired the rights to the franchise, ultimately saving it and allowing professional soccer to continue in Buffalo. Perhaps you're thinking; "Soccer? In Buffalo?" The answer might surprise you. Talent in Buffalo is quite strong, something that is no secret to BCFC management, who estimate that there are over 60,000 youth players right here. These players need somewhere to go, and BCFC hopes to develop that talent instead of allowing our best to go elsewhere to utilize their skills.
Their recipe for success starts with player development. Recruiting the best players in Western New York is step one, and it's a plan already underway. Improving these players doesn't stop here in Buffalo. BCFC has a strong international network thanks to the hiring of scouts Francois Glasman and Craig Mander, scouts with connections Europe, which allows direct contact with European clubs. It also allows BCFC to send their players to clubs across the world. By placing our best with the world's best, the players have the potential to develop at an astounding rate before returning to represent Buffalo.
At the helm of BCFC is head coach and technical director Mike Share. Mike is a former European player himself with club connections in France, Spain, Italy, and England, four countries with an intense passion for the game. Mike's connections allow him direct contact with top clubs in those countries. If one of those clubs is looking for a specific type of player, Mike will identify and send one of his Buffalo boys across the pond where they will compete with the best, before returning home after their European tenure. Currently, Mike is looking for some of the best players to bring to England for tryouts. Also, Buffalo is affiliated with AFA Marbella, a Spanish Football Academy where Buffalo City players can train.
At home, the team is training hard, preparing for their season opener on May 16th in Pennsylvania. The team plays their first home game of the summer season on May 22nd against the Pocono Snow. Their season won't be limited to U.S. teams only, however. They've already scheduled a match against Polish Premier League Anka Gdynia on June 10th, and have been in talks to bring other European clubs to compete in Buffalo.
Want to catch a game? The team plays at Robert Rich Stadium behind Bennett High School on Main Street. For free. That's right. You can watch pro soccer free of charge.
Buffalo Rising will have more as the season draws closer.
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Instead of losing our team, a private investor acquired the rights to the franchise, ultimately saving it and allowing professional soccer to continue in Buffalo. Perhaps you're thinking; "Soccer? In Buffalo?" The answer might surprise you. Talent in Buffalo is quite strong, something that is no secret to BCFC management, who estimate that there are over 60,000 youth players right here. These players need somewhere to go, and BCFC hopes to develop that talent instead of allowing our best to go elsewhere to utilize their skills.
Their recipe for success starts with player development. Recruiting the best players in Western New York is step one, and it's a plan already underway. Improving these players doesn't stop here in Buffalo. BCFC has a strong international network thanks to the hiring of scouts Francois Glasman and Craig Mander, scouts with connections Europe, which allows direct contact with European clubs. It also allows BCFC to send their players to clubs across the world. By placing our best with the world's best, the players have the potential to develop at an astounding rate before returning to represent Buffalo.
At the helm of BCFC is head coach and technical director Mike Share. Mike is a former European player himself with club connections in France, Spain, Italy, and England, four countries with an intense passion for the game. Mike's connections allow him direct contact with top clubs in those countries. If one of those clubs is looking for a specific type of player, Mike will identify and send one of his Buffalo boys across the pond where they will compete with the best, before returning home after their European tenure. Currently, Mike is looking for some of the best players to bring to England for tryouts. Also, Buffalo is affiliated with AFA Marbella, a Spanish Football Academy where Buffalo City players can train.
At home, the team is training hard, preparing for their season opener on May 16th in Pennsylvania. The team plays their first home game of the summer season on May 22nd against the Pocono Snow. Their season won't be limited to U.S. teams only, however. They've already scheduled a match against Polish Premier League Anka Gdynia on June 10th, and have been in talks to bring other European clubs to compete in Buffalo.
Want to catch a game? The team plays at Robert Rich Stadium behind Bennett High School on Main Street. For free. That's right. You can watch pro soccer free of charge.
Buffalo Rising will have more as the season draws closer.
If they succeed, I say we rebuild The Rockpile.