In a recent announcement, Buffalo Pro Soccer, a new group led by Western New York native Peter Marlette Jr., revealed plans to bring a United Soccer League Championship team to Buffalo by 2026. Marlette will serve as the president of the organization, working with various stakeholders to make the club a reality in Western New York. The goal is to showcase Buffalo’s passion for sports by establishing a professional soccer club that embodies the community’s values of hard work, resilience, innovation, and pride.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown praised the efforts of Buffalo Pro Soccer in bringing professional soccer to the city, recognizing the potential for Buffalo to become a prominent destination for sports enthusiasts globally. Marlette brings valuable experience to the project with his background in playing for FC Buffalo and managing Union Omaha. His involvement in Major League Soccer with FC Dallas further strengthens his expertise in building successful soccer clubs.
The USL Championship features 24 men’s professional teams and is sanctioned by U.S. Soccer’s Division II. With an average attendance of nearly 6,000 fans per game and some teams drawing over 10,000 spectators, the league provides a dedicated fan base and a competitive environment for aspiring professional soccer players. Buffalo Pro Soccer aims to capitalize on Buffalo’s sports reputation and establish the city as a key player in the soccer landscape.
Marlette expressed his commitment to building a winning USL Championship club and highlighted the opportunity for Buffalo to join the growing soccer movement in the United States. He emphasized collaboration with individuals and organizations who believe in Buffalo’s potential to excel in professional soccer.
The initiative is seen as a way to enrich Buffalo’s civic and sports history by establishing a new chapter in the city’s vibrant sports culture. The establishment of a professional soccer team will not only provide entertainment but also contribute positively to Western New York’s economy.
In conclusion,Buffalo Pro Soccer’s ambitious plans aim to bring professional soccer back into Western New York’s thriving sports scene while showcasing its prideful values such as hard work and innovation. With Peter Marlette Jr.’s leadership, it seems that Buffalonians will soon have yet another reason to cheer for their hometown team!