The Buffalos FC starts training kids competitively at the U10 / U11 age group and can have teams as old as the U19 level. We started out with two (2) small-sided teams at the U11, and U12 age groups so they can eventually merge into a full-sided team at the U13 level. Regardless of the make-up of the small-sided teams, the Club is adamant that the teams get the same experience in terms of training until they merge.
This is a different model compared to the other clubs in San Antonio; most clubs in San Antonio, TX will accept all players interested in joining their program and then promote players based on their individual achievements to another team in a higher division, in some cases this creates an environment of "a team of individuals". BFC wants the team to earn their promotion to a higher division level, all BFC teams have a goal to play at the top level by the time they are U17 (sophomore in HS). The other reason for only carrying one team per age group is it creates a sense of club pride; because it means more than just paying club fees to be Buffalos FC Player - not every player can be a Buffalos FC player.
All current BFC players are encouraged to keep up with the overall development of the team and improve their individual level of play during the year. If a player falls behind, the coaching staff will work with that player as much as possible to get them up to speed. However, it is understood if a player does not demonstrate the desire to improve by working extra hours on their own and/or coming to extra training sessions and after giving that player a proper chance to prove their value to the team; their spot with be given to a new player during the tryout window between May/June of a given year. No cuts are ever made between the Fall and Spring seasons of a given year unless there is an extraordinary circumstance.
Recreational "Grassroots" Program: Currently, BFC registered its recreational teams with the MAYS YMCA. BFC coaching staff work with the kids at the U5-U10 to introduce basic soccer skills and team the players to have FUN, we want kids to fall in love with the game. A U10 player can start playing at the competitive level. Finally, playing through the YMCA is easier on our parent’s pocketbook.