Ending
'Pay to Play'
for Buffalo Youth.
Free soccer programs, mentorship, and community resources for the youth of Buffalo who need them most.
Every Kid Deserves
A Chance to Play.
“To enrich the lives of children in the city of Buffalo by building a supportive community through sports—providing mentorship, resources, and an environment for self-expression and personal growth.”
Free Access for All
No cost barriers — every child in Buffalo can participate regardless of financial situation.
Safe Environments
Structured, supervised spaces where youth can thrive, grow, and feel supported.
Mentorship & Coaching
Coach-mentors guide young athletes both on and off the field toward their full potential.
Academic Support
Sports as a gateway to better school engagement and long-term personal success.
Our Programs
Learn more about “The Academy” — where players can play every day of the week!
West Side High School Academy
High School Boys — Grades 9–12
Mondays & Fridays — All year round!
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Pay what you can — register below
716 Ministries 301 14th St. Buffalo, NY 14213
West Side Youth Academy
Ages Under 8 · U10 · U13
Mondays & Fridays — All year round!
U8: 5:30 PM · U10: 6:00 PM · U13: 7:00 PM
Pay what you can — register below
Asarese-Matters Community Center 50 Rees St. Buffalo, NY 14213
Mens Open Futsal
Men — Grades 9–12 & Up
Mondays & Fridays — All year round!
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Free! (Donations Suggested)
716 Ministries 301 14th St. Buffalo, NY 14213
Have Questions?
Contact August Finn for more information about any of our programs.
Resources Needed
Your support helps us provide quality programming for Buffalo youth. Here is what we need:
Coach/Tutor Funding
Money to pay coaches and tutors — it is important to the quality of our programming that we have the best coaches available.
Practice Equipment
Soccer goals, soccer balls, pinnies, and cones for our training sessions.
Practice Jerseys
Jerseys for players to wear during Academy sessions and scrimmages.
Indoor Practice Space
Secure indoor practice space for year-round programming during Buffalo winters.
The Buffalo Academy of Soccer
Buffalo Sports Project has teamed up with Buffalo United, The Buffalo Maendeleo SC, and The Buffalo Stallions to form The Buffalo Academy of Soccer — a place where youth from all corners of the City of Buffalo can come together and enjoy the world's most Beautiful Game!
How The Academy Works
- Players can train and play up to 5 days a week at various fields and facilities around Buffalo.
- Each partner club acts as host at their location — every player has at least one night in their own neighborhood.
- Each club brings a different cultural feel and style of play, creating a true collage of experiences.
- The season runs August 1st – July 31st, but players can join any time. One registration covers all partner clubs and an academy uniform.
- Attendance is flexible — players are not required to attend every session, but the more they play, the better they get!
What Happens Each Session
- 1Warm-Up: Stretching and individual athletic activity led by our junior coaches.
- 2Skills Training: Fun, developmentally appropriate soccer drills designed to build individual skill and player confidence with the ball.
- 3Competitive Games: Players divide into teams and play toward a daily champion. Younger ages play similar games at their own pace.
- 4TeamSnap App: After registration, players receive an invite to the Academy TeamSnap App to view the full schedule and receive updates.
Ready to Join The Academy?
One registration covers all partner clubs and your academy uniform. Players can join any time — the season runs year-round!
Fees, Scholarships & Membership
Real Stories.
Real Impact.
Hear from the youth, parents, and coaches who make up our community.
“The Buffalo Sports Project changed my son's life. He found confidence, friends, and a passion for soccer he never knew he had.”
“Coach August and the team genuinely care about every kid. It's more than sports — it's a family.”
“Friday Night Lights gave me something to look forward to every week. I made my best friends there.”
“As a Buffalo State student-athlete, volunteering here is the most rewarding thing I do. These kids inspire me.”
“The Academy scholarship gave my daughter access to year-round training we could never have afforded otherwise.”
August Finn
August Finn is the driving force behind the Buffalo Sports Project — building a community where every child in Buffalo has access to sports, mentorship, and a place to grow. Have questions? Reach out directly at afinn719@gmail.com.
Make a Difference
in Buffalo Today
Whether you're a coach, donor, or community partner — there's a place for you at the Buffalo Sports Project.
Volunteer
Coach, mentor, or support our programs. Buffalo State student-athletes and community members welcome.
Donate
Your contribution funds free programs, equipment, and scholarships for Buffalo youth.
Partner
Organizations and businesses can partner with us to expand our community reach.
Get in Touch
Send us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Find Us in Buffalo, NY
Coyer Field, SUNY Buffalo State — Buffalo, New York