FC Buffalo was proud to be on hand Saturday as New York State Senator Chris Jacobs was joined by Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, North District Council Member Joseph Golombek and local community organizations and leaders in announcing that he has secured $80,000 in state funding to support new mini-soccer pitches along the Scajaquada Pathway in the Black Rock-Riverside neighborhood.
According to State Senator’s office, the money “will cover the cost of excavation, installation of a concrete foundation with sub base, topsoil, chain link fencing and soccer goals.”
The announcement leads the culmination of a years-long project started by Pitch In Buffalo and led by Russell Andolina (Buffalo Soccer Council).
“Of course FCB is happy to be acknowledged for the small part we played,” said FC Buffalo co-owner Nick Mendola. “We held a fundraiser for the project along with the West Side Youth Development Coalition at our 2016 Awards Dinner at Hot Mama’s Canteen, and attended a few meetings and forums.”
“But Russ Andolina’s resilience in pushing it over the line has been nothing short of inspirational. It shows the power of relentless pursuit of a goal, and we’re humbled to share the smallest part in Pitch In Buffalo‘s success. We hope this is just the beginning, and will always be willing to help.”
Also in attendance at the press conference was Westside International Soccer, West Side Youth Development Coalition, and many others. Here are some photographs from Saturday’s event.
