Queen City Football Club
Until today I had no idea that Buffalo was sorely missing a soccer club. Then General Manager of the (soon to be) Queen City Football Club, Christopher Keem, sent me an email wondering if we would like to hear about his plan to form a team in Buffalo. He's been working with the SBA since October to start a club that would put Buffalo on the map when it comes to competitive soccer. The young league (under 5 years old) has literally exploded around the country and teams can now be found playing in dozens of cities. "Albany and Cleveland have teams", states Chris. "Why not Buffalo? We have the talent, we have the fans, now we need the support."
It's called the Premiere Development League and each club must raise an initial $50,000 to join. The league is serious about which clubs get to join because they want to make sure that organizations are serious about their long term commitment to the game. Chris is serious about his commitment. "I want to see a team in Buffalo. I don't want to travel to see my favorite players play. There are currently eight teams in our league and seven divisions. We're going to pull players from regional colleges. We're already negotiating for a field either at Buff State or All High Stadium. We've raised a good part of the money and are close to coming up with the rest. We'll be looking for support from the local business community and soccer fans from all over the region."
Chris is also turning his project into a community based outreach program. He wants to use the game of soccer to tap into the inner city youth. He plans on hosting camps and clinics throughout the yearOe to spread the good word of the game. He also wants to hook up with players that might not be getting the chance to play on the team-levels that they are capable of playing on. "Look at all of the talented players over at LaSalle Park. These kids are really good and might be looking for an opportunity to play in organized leagues. We have developed relationships with teams in a few foreign countries such as England... these countries are already looking for the US to cultivate young motivated soccer players to play abroad. It's happening in other cities, and we want to see it happen here as well."
As soon as the Queen City Football Club secures its final commitments from local support channels, Buffalo will once again enjoy soccer on a higher club level. In the meantime, camps and clinics are already under way, as are trials for the youth teams. Training for the PDL club team will begin next April. If you would like to find out more about the Queen City Football League and everything that it has to offer, please contact Chris Keem.
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drl
The timing couldn't be better with the World Cup wrapping up. Even with the black eye in the final game, soccer is finally getting some attention and viewership in the USA. This sounds like a great way to introduce the sport back to the city. I hope it succeeds.
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eac
This is cool, and the more the better, but- is the Deleware Soccer League now defunct? That's who I played with as a tyke, anyway.
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Charger
With the right outreach this could be a great community builder. Buffalo is a city of immigrants, most from countries where soccer is huge. Ireland and Italy of course, but also Yemen and now Senegal and other African countries.
With proper recruitment and marketing QCFC could really bring a lot of groups together and be a unifying force. Not to mention bridging economic divides.
Go QCFC!
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Chris Keem
EAC-Delaware is still around. We are just trying to form a premier team for the youths to get onto that doesn't cost $1200 to play for. I don't want to tout my own product here so I just want to leave it at that. So far the reception of our entire club has been warm and fuzzy, I just hope we can keep it that way. We always need people to help us out, so if anyone wants to be a part of QCFC just email me.
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amy c
The Delaware Soccer Club does not cost $1200 to play. I am a parent of a child who is in the Travel league. It is a strong organization and we have enjoyed the skills and confidence it builds in our kids and the relationships we have made with families from all walks of life for the past 5 years. Delaware is already doing everything you intend to create with your league. It's nice that you are trying to start another league, but don't misrepresent the Delaware Soccer Club.
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Chris Keem
I wasn't talking about Delaware, I was talking about the other premier club in the area. I used to coach for Delaware and they do a wonderful job. I would actually love to have them involved with QCFC as well. Sorry for the confusion.
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Soccer Fan
Wow, this sounds awesome! I love QCFC's idea of offering inner city kids an opportunity to play organized soccer. Until now, it has been almost exclusively a suburban phenomenon. With all of the international groups we have in the city, there is bound to be interest in QCFC programs. The Buffalo Blizzard indoor team was a great way for kids to watch high level soccer in an exciting atmosphere and ever since they left, Buffalo soccer fans have had to settle for the Fox Soccer Channel or make the trip to Rochester to watch the Rhinos. It will be a huge boost for Buffalo to have their own team for kids and fans of all ages to watch.
Keep up the good work!
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blackbandit
This is exciting! Keep up the good work
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Rolfe Freidenberg
I just heard about this new team coming. I think it's exciting. I am currently coaching for the Buffalo United Club, and I am very happy to see a professional team here in Buffalo. I see Mike Middleton is going to be involved. He is a great coach. I played for him at Fredonia from 1993-98. Some great teams there. Looking forward to seeing you guys be VERY successful. Good luck and can't wait.
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BELLO
I WANT TO JOIN THE U14 FOOFTBALLCLUB
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soccerdude111
GO QCFC..love it. Sounds like a great thing for the city. Better than the last attempt made by the UB Coach! Well done Chris keep it going
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CPH
Everything that comes to Buffalo dies! Pfillies were a great idea.......at the right time too....and they were a good team. Its a pathetic city...let them fight with the Indians about streets, or waste more time about what kinda bridge they're never gonna errect. GOOD idea ...wrong place. Let the pathetic drunks continue to travel from Sloan to watch there 2nd rate Buffalo (Orchard Park) Bills!
These people are so backwards and continue in the wrong direction, just watch local elections.
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Keller
no offense to you CPH, but women's soccer has never made it anywhere. That is why it failed. Just a normal response from a jaded buffalo person it sounds like.
This group is definitely doing something right. Their inner city programs alone are going to make them more prevalent than other teams that came through the area.
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Rochester Rhinos
I would love to see a PDL team in Buffalo. I live in Rochester and I am a huge Rhinos fan. To see friendlies against these clubs would be great. I would come to Buffalo from Rochester to support this team. Good luck.
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matt contino
what was the attempt made by the UB coach? just wondering cuz imon ub
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Cheick
I heard about a team coming up in Buffalo for awhile but was wondering when... this couldn't come at a better I am so pump up for this. Some of us would not have to travel to Saint Catherine Canada to play in the Canadian leauge. Well done let's put Buffalo on the map.
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Michael
I'd love to see it work here, and wish Queen City FC good luck! It may still take some time, and some new blood, for soccer to get media recognition (which will help build a fan base), I definitely see progress since the US hosted the World Cup 12 years ago.
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Keem-o
Thanks everyone! It's been fun. Our next tryout is January 13th at Sahlen's Sports park from 8-10am. It is open to the public as well, we may have some give away's there for anyone who shows up to watch. Can't wait for the schedule to be finally completed!
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