Jr. Rhinos, Buffalo United and Syracuse Football join to form 
Empire United Soccer Academy

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.

During the 2007-08 season, our U.S. Soccer Development Academy Boys’ U16 and Boys’ U18 teams competed under the Empire United Soccer Academy name. These teams consisted of  players from the Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse communities. These athletes have committed to playing at an extremely competitive level, following a training and competition schedule developed in conjunction with the United States Soccer Federation. We are all looking forward to following the development of this inaugural group of young men and celebrating their successes.

As we proceed into the 2008-09 season, the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse alliance will advance to the next level. The Rochester Junior Rhinos will be renamed as Empire United Soccer Academy /Rochester (EUSA Rochester). Buffalo 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.

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 Rochester. 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 Rochester Junior Rhinos or the Empire USA program, please feel free to contact Jim Mort at jrrhinossoccer@aol.com  .

• See the EUSA website for more information about the USSF Developmental Academy,

• Frequently Asked Questions about the Empire United Soccer Academy

• Coaching Staff for 2008-2009

• EUSA Commitment Letter

Congratulations to the Rochester Junior Rhinos B12 players and coaches on a fantastic season! NYSW Champions and USYSA Region 1 Champions, well done boys!!!

Proud Sponsors of the
Rochester Junior Rhinos

US Club Soccer

Thanks to our Corporate Sponsors