In Buffalo, a new soccer club is set to be established by a group led by Peter Marlette Jr., a Western New York native. The organization, named Buffalo Pro Soccer, aims to bring a USL Championship team to the city by 2026. Marlette will serve as the president of the club and will work with stakeholders to make the project a reality.

The goal of Buffalo Pro Soccer is to showcase the community’s values of hard work, resilience, innovation, and pride through professional soccer. The initiative is seen as an opportunity for Buffalo to join the growing soccer movement in the United States and enrich its civic and sports history. Mayor Byron Brown praised the efforts of Buffalo Pro Soccer in bringing professional soccer to the city and recognized its potential to become a prominent destination for sports enthusiasts globally.

With his background in playing for FC Buffalo and managing Union Omaha, Marlette brings valuable experience to the project. His involvement in Major League Soccer with FC Dallas further strengthens his expertise in building successful soccer clubs. The USL Championship offers a platform for high-level competition in a league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer’s Division II, featuring 24 men’s professional teams with an average attendance of nearly 6,000 fans per game and some teams drawing over 10,000 spectators. This provides a dedicated fan base and competitive environment for aspiring professional soccer players.

Buffalo Pro Soccer’s ambitious plans aim to capitalize on Buffalo’s sports reputation and establish the city as a key player in the soccer landscape. With Marlette leading the charge, this new chapter in Buffalo’s vibrant sports culture is sure to be an exciting addition to Western New York’s sporting scene.