Buffalo United To Be Empire USA Buffalo - Buffalo United Soccer Club

In August 2007, Western New York’s top soccer clubs, the Rochester Junior Rhinos, Syracuse Football Club and Buffalo United Soccer Club joined together to form the Empire United Soccer Academy. The unification of these clubs, acknowledge their strong working relationship and shared vision of the development of youth soccer. This combined organization will enable soccer players at all levels to attain their individual goals and maximize their potential. In fact, the strength of the new club was recognized when Empire USA received one of the sixty-four initial memberships in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

As we proceed into the 2008 / 2009 season, the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse alliance will advance to the next level. The Buffalo United Soccer Club will be renamed as Empire United Soccer Academy / Buffalo (EUSA Buffalo). Rochester and Syracuse will do the same and we will operate as a single state-wide entity. The national credibility of Empire United Soccer Academy will leverage off of the prestige of the US Soccer Development Academy. This brand recognition will help in gaining acceptance into regional and national competitions and will distinguish players with college coaches on a national scale. The academy will also collaborate on best practices and venture into contracts with suppliers and sponsors together.

Some of you may remember the Buffalo United Soccer Club was formed from the merger of two clubs in 2004. The local merger created on stronger club which serve the soccer community in Buffalo with some great successes over the past four years. The merger of these three clubs will continue the improvements.

Over the past few months a number of questions have arisen as to our broader plans for Empire USA in terms of genders, age groups and ability levels. Day to day operations will not change much. We will compete in the same venues and events and will continue to run a player centered program. Our goal is to provide the best high-level soccer program in the state. We want to assure you that Empire USA will continue to offer a full range of playing opportunities here in Buffalo. Whether your son or daughter is 8 years old and just developing a love for the game, 18 years old and preparing for his/her first year of college soccer, or anywhere in between, Empire USA will offer your family the best soccer experience possible.

We hope that you share our enthusiasm as we expand the reach of our organization and identify even more opportunities for your children to further develop as players and people. Over the next few months, we’ll be holding informational meetings to review our progress and to answer questions. Should you need a more immediate response about the Buffalo United or the Empire USA program, please feel free to contact me at preilly@jwdanforth.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the USSF Development Academy?

USSF, the group responsible for the US National Team decided to form a national developmental program. Sixty-four clubs across the nation were chosen to identify top players and form teams. Empire USA is one of these clubs. The teams from these clubs will only compete within the Developmental Academy. Currently there are only BU16 and BU18 teams. Learn more at www.empireunitedsa.com

Will there be a USSF Development Academy for girls?

At this time USSF is focusing its Development Academy model on the boys’ side. We are looking forward to the future expansion of the USSF program and will keep club members informed as new information becomes available.

Will I have to travel to Buffalo and Syracuse for some of my practices?

No. Only boys who are playing on USSF Development Academy teams will be practicing across the upstate geography. Buffalo based Empire USA players will continue to practice locally. You will continue to travel to nearby cities for games in the Upstate Premier League just as you are today.

Why should I choose to stay with Empire USA?

Our organization’s recognition has national distinction. Our long list of collegiate players and alumni that have played in MLS, WUSA and the USSF National teams highlights our focus on player development. We will continue to offer players quality training, licensed coaching, and a level of competition that sets us apart from other local organizations.

My child plays on a Blue team now; will there be a place for them in Empire USA?

Absolutely. The reason for forming Empire USA was to create the correct environment for every level of player. Truly gifted players may advance to the USSF Player Development Academy at the appropriate age. Most will continue to play on Buffalo based teams competing in State Cup, WAPS, Region 1 League, Upstate Premier League, US Club Regional and National Championship Series, and Great Lakes Alliance Friendlies depending on age and skill level.

If I stay with Empire USA will I need to give up my other sports and activities?

No. Decisions about participation in any and all activities must be made at the individual player level. Those playing on the USSF Development Academy teams are focusing on soccer and have committed to a rigorous training and competition schedule that limits their ability to participate in other sports. Others should evaluate their schedules and workload to ensure that players do not become overloaded.

Will it cost more to participate in Empire USA than it did with Buffalo United?

No. Budgets will continue to be comparable and will be determined at the age level. The final cost will ultimately depend on the amount and type of training, league and tournament participation that the team selects.

How will the name change from Buffalo United to Empire USA be communicated to college coaches & tournament organizers?

Our affiliation with the USSF Development Academy has already begun to help increase the name recognition for the new organization. In addition, the club has appointed a Director of College Relations who will be communicating with college coaches via mail and email to notify them of the change. We will also be including the BUSC name on tournament applications, etc. when appropriate so that people can identify our club’s previous performance.

Will our Uniforms change?

Yes. We will continue to use Adidas® uniforms and footwear, but colors and styles will change. Our new logo incorporates a signature color from each of the legacy clubs.

When are Tryouts?

The tryout schedule will be posted on www.empireunitedsa.com. Tryouts for regular EUSA/Buffalo Academy teams can be found on our website (http://www.buffalounited.com/Home/Contact/Tryouts). The USSF Development Academy teams will have a separate tryout schedule on July weekends.