Something Our Community Really Needs

Buffalo Sports Project in the Spotlight

What started as a shared vision among friends has quickly grown into something much bigger. Roughly a year ago, the Buffalo Sports Project was born with a simple but powerful mission: harness the energy of soccer to bring the community closer together.

Fast forward to today, and the program is already reaching more than 150 young people across the city — completely free of charge. But the founders are not stopping there. They are reaching out to the community, asking for support to keep the momentum alive.

The 2026 World Cup is just weeks away, and soccer fever is about to sweep the globe. But long before the first kickoff, the West Side of Buffalo is already feeling the impact of the beautiful game.

“It's very diverse on the West Side. I was with African people, African Americans, you get a mix of everything. Even now, if you check the demographics of the West Side, it's like 25 percent of everything.”

From a Vacant Lot to a Community Hub

Among the founders is Abdi Salim, a professional soccer player who made his way to the United States back in 2003. His journey to the top taught him something critical about the city he now calls home.

Abdi Salim, Co-Founder of Buffalo Sports Project

“I climbed the ladder, and one thing I really took in from that ladder was the lack of resources in Buffalo,” Salim said. “Buffalo is a place where it's kind of hard to make a name, especially with soccer.”

Determined to change that, Salim teamed up with fellow co-founders Peter Massaquoi and August Finn. Together, they turned an unused patch of land into a thriving soccer field and assembled a dedicated team of mentors and coaches for students throughout Buffalo.

“If you know anything about the West Side of Buffalo, you know that we have a very large immigrant and refugee population. So, access to sports is something our community really needs.”

For Massaquoi, the program is about more than just the sport — it is about keeping young people focused and on the right track.

“I think there are a lot of children that were like me that didn't really know how to play or didn't know where to play,” Massaquoi said. “Buffalo Sports Project keeps them out of trouble.”

A Big Moment for Buffalo

With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, the founders say the timing could not be better to expand the program and reach even more kids.

“The World Cup is a big deal. It only happens every four years. It's also a long month of showing our program, expanding our resources, and making sure the kids can enjoy soccer in Buffalo.”

During the WKBW visit, reporters spent time with coaches and participants, hearing firsthand what brought them to the program and how it has reshaped their daily lives. Whether it was a first-timer who had never kicked a ball before, or a teen who finally found a sense of purpose, each story echoed the same message: sports can change everything.

The piece also gave viewers a look at the volunteers, partners, and families who power Buffalo Sports Project behind the scenes. For people across Western New York, it was an eye-opening glimpse into what is already happening in their own neighborhoods — and an invitation to be part of it.