Buffalo Pro Soccer to Host Inaugural All-Ages Street Soccer Tournament in Downtown Buffalo During World Cup Final Weekend

Presented by M&T Bank, the first-ever Buffalo Pro Soccer Street Cup will bring youth and adult players downtown on July 18 for a day of competition and community celebration. 

Team registration is now open, with space limited across 10 divisions.

BUFFALO, NY (June 16, 2026) – Buffalo Pro Soccer will bring the excitement of the World Cup to downtown Buffalo this summer with its inaugural Street Cup tournament, presented by M&T Bank, on Saturday, July 18.

The one-day event will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 571 Washington Street, the M&T Bank parking lot at the corner of Washington and Chippewa. With divisions for youth and adult teams, the tournament will feature fast-paced 5-on-5 competition, family-friendly activities and an outdoor World Cup watch party following tournament play in partnership with the Chippewa Alliance.

“As the world comes together around soccer this summer, we’re excited to create an opportunity for players and fans across Western New York to be part of that energy right here in downtown Buffalo,” said Peter Marlette Jr., president of Buffalo Pro Soccer. “As we continue building Buffalo’s professional soccer club, events like the Street Cup are central to our mission of growing the game, bringing people together and celebrating the passion for soccer that already runs deep throughout our community. We look forward to welcoming players of all ages, along with their families and friends, for a fun, high-energy day that showcases both the spirit of the sport and the vibrancy of downtown Buffalo. With each division limited to eight teams, we encourage teams to register early to secure their spot.”

Tournament Divisions

The tournament will feature 10 divisions, with each division limited to eight teams. 

Youth

• U16-U19 Boys
• U16-U19 Girls
• U13-U15 Boys
• U13-U15 Girls
• U10-U12 Boys
• U10-U12 Girls

Adult

• Men’s Open
• Women’s Open
• Co-Ed Open
• Co-Ed Over 35

Tournament Format

• 5-on-5 street soccer (5 players per team, including goalkeeper)
• Official referees
• Two 18-minute halves
• Minimum of three games guaranteed per team
• Tournament rules adapted from official 5v5 soccer laws of the game
• $125 registration fee per team (plus taxes and fees)

In addition to tournament play, attendees can enjoy:

• Family-friendly games and activities
• Giveaways and activations from M&T Bank, Independent Health Foundation, and other community partners
• Food and drink specials at participating Chippewa District restaurants and bars
• An outdoor community watch party for the World Cup bronze medal match immediately following the tournament

The Street Cup will serve as the kickoff to a broader celebration designed to bring players, fans and the community together around the world’s game. Additional details about activities and the outdoor watch party will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Street Cup is part of Buffalo Pro Soccer’s ongoing efforts to engage Western New York’s growing soccer community as the club moves closer to key milestones, including the announcement of its ownership group and future stadium location.

Registration is now open and space is limited. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register a team or to learn more about the day’s events, click here.

About Buffalo Pro Soccer

Buffalo Pro Soccer is Western New York’s professional soccer club, launching in the USL. Founded by Buffalo native and seasoned soccer executive Peter Marlette, Jr., the club is built on a mission to deliver world-class soccer to Buffalo while deepening ties with the community and adding to the region’s rich sports tradition. Committed to excellence both on the pitch and in the stands, Buffalo Pro Soccer is set to become a defining part of Western New York’s sports identity. Learn more at buffaloprosoccer.com.

Elite academy director with established USL Championship success joins Buffalo to build player development vision from the ground up

BUFFALO, NY (January 22, 2025) – Buffalo Pro Soccer today announced the appointment of William Malott as the club’s first Academy Director. Malott most recently served as MLS Next Academy Director at Phoenix Rising Youth Soccer, overseeing the club’s elite player development program within Major League Soccer’s premier youth competition platform. His experience spans more than a decade of leadership roles in professional soccer, combining technical expertise with business acumen honed through an MBA and advanced coaching credentials.

“When you look at what William accomplished in Phoenix—building systems, developing talent pipelines, and creating a culture of excellence—you understand why this is such a major hire for our organization,” said Peter Marlette, Jr., president of Buffalo Pro Soccer. “He had every reason to stay in a thriving market with an established program, but he saw something special in Buffalo’s vision and potential. His job here is to create a seamless pathway that allows the region’s best young players to develop professionally without having to leave home, and I’m very excited for the players here in Western New York who will benefit from his work.”

Over more than a decade in professional soccer, Malott has built a reputation for assembling elite coaching staffs, developing cutting-edge player development systems, and forging community connections that uncover and nurture top talent. What sets him apart is the rare combination of high-level coaching credentials—USSF A-Youth and Academy Director licenses—paired with real business expertise in project management, and building organizations from the ground up.

“Buffalo’s commitment to doing this right—to building something foundational rather than just checking boxes—is what drew me here,” Malott said. “This region has incredible soccer talent that deserves world-class development opportunities. The chance to establish the culture and standards that will define this club for generations is a once-in-a-career opportunity.”

As Academy Director, Malott will oversee all aspects of the youth program, from defining the club’s playing philosophy across every age group to recruiting and developing elite coaching talent and building strong relationships with grassroots programs throughout Western New York and Southern Ontario. He will immediately begin leading and building his coaching staff and forging connections with local clubs, schools, and community organizations. Under Malott’s leadership, the academy will prioritize technical development while fostering an inclusive, player-centric environment where young athletes can thrive both on and off the field.

The appointment underscores Buffalo Pro Soccer’s commitment to player development as a cornerstone of its identity and sends a powerful message about the club’s priorities.

“William could have his pick of academy positions across the country,” said Marlette. “The fact that he chose Buffalo speaks volumes about what we’re building here and the potential of the players in this region with the proper development opportunities. This is the caliber of leader we’re attracting, and it’s just the beginning.”

Additional announcements regarding stadium plans, club branding, and staff and player appointments will be made as the club continues to build toward its inaugural season.

About Buffalo Pro Soccer

Buffalo Pro Soccer is Western New York’s professional soccer club, launching in the USL. Founded by Buffalo native and seasoned soccer executive Peter Marlette, Jr., the club is built on a mission to deliver world-class soccer to Buffalo while deepening ties with the community and adding to the region’s rich sports tradition. Committed to excellence both on the pitch and in the stands, Buffalo Pro Soccer is set to become a defining part of Western New York’s sports identity. Learn more at buffaloprosoccer.com.