About Us

History:

For over 30 years, the Buffalo Stallions (formerly Empire United Buffalo, Buffalo United, Buffalo Premier) have been at the forefront of the Buffalo and Western New York youth soccer scene. Our club has a rich history of achievements and success, with numerous titles and accolades to our name. We take pride in nurturing talent and fostering a winning culture that instills confidence and character in our players.

Mission Statement:

North American Sports Association, Ltd., formerly known as North American Soccer Association, Ltd., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of youth and amateur soccer at the local, national, and international levels. As a 501(c)(3) corporation under the Internal Revenue Code, our mission is to foster the growth and development of Sport through a range of divisions and programs. We are committed to providing opportunities for young athletes to excel in sports while instilling values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and community engagement. By nurturing talent and fostering a love for the game, we aim to contribute to the overall development of youth and amateur sports on a broad scale.

Impact Statement:

At North American Sports Association, we take immense pride in our ability to provide over $35,000 in financial aid to players in the Buffalo Stallions youth soccer club, helping them overcome barriers and achieve their goals of playing high-level soccer here in Buffalo and Western New York. We firmly believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of sports and develop their skills on the field, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Through our comprehensive financial aid program, we ensure that no young athlete is held back due to financial constraints. By removing the economic barriers to entry, we empower deserving players to join our program and enjoy the numerous advantages of participating in youth soccer. Our aim is to support and nurture talent, providing a pathway for aspiring athletes to pursue their passion and unlock their full potential.

We are driven by a deep commitment to inclusivity and equal access. By offering financial aid, we foster an environment where all children have the chance to thrive, building self-confidence, teamwork skills, and a sense of belonging that extends beyond the soccer field. Our ultimate goal is to create a lasting impact on the lives of these players, equipping them with valuable skills, fostering personal growth, and instilling a lifelong love for the game.

We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the success and well-being of the Buffalo Stallions youth soccer club. Together, we are working towards creating a more equitable and inclusive community where all children can flourish and pursue their dreams, irrespective of their financial circumstances.

North American Sports Association is committed to making a difference by providing vital financial aid to those in need, ensuring that no child is left behind in their pursuit of soccer excellence. Join us in supporting young athletes and building a brighter future for our community.

Call to Action:

"Join us in making a difference in the lives of young athletes and supporting our mission of promoting youth and amateur soccer at local, national, and international levels. "

Here's how you can get involved:

Volunteer: We're always in need of dedicated individuals who are passionate about soccer and helping young players thrive. Whether you have coaching experience or simply want to lend a helping hand, your time and expertise can make a significant impact.
Donate: Your generous contributions enable us to provide financial aid, training equipment, and resources to players who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in our programs. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us create a more inclusive and accessible soccer community.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with your friends, family, and colleagues. By spreading awareness about the North American Sports Association, you can help us reach more aspiring athletes, potential volunteers, and supporters who share our vision of unity, diversity, and community engagement.
Attend Events: Stay updated on our upcoming events, tournaments, and fundraising activities. Your participation not only adds to the excitement but also shows your support for our organization and the players we serve.

Together, we can empower young athletes, foster their development, and create a positive impact through the beautiful game. Visit our website or reach out to our team to learn more about how you can get involved and support our mission."

Board of Directors

Bill Van Slyke- President

Kevin O’Neil- Vice President

Brian Cribbs- Executive Secretary

Rudy Pompert- Member at Large

Danielle Salasavage- Secretary

Tom Gargigen- Executive Director

Staff

Stallions Roles and Positions

Executive Director: Tom Garigen

Tom holds the position of Executive Director within the Buffalo Stallions club. His role encompasses the following responsibilities:

Coordinating schedules, facilities, and equipment: Tom oversees the coordination of training sessions, games, and events. He ensures that appropriate schedules are created, facilities are secured, and necessary equipment is available for all club activities.
Overseeing the performance and coordination of all directors and departments: Tom works closely with the other directors, including the Player Recruitment/Retention Director, Club Administrative Director, Co-Technical Directors of Soccer, and Club Operations and Marketing Director. He ensures that all departments are working collaboratively and effectively to achieve the club's objectives.
Collaborating with the Club Operations and Club Administrative Director: Tom collaborates with the Club Operations and Club Administrative Director, Brian Cribbs, on club communications and correspondence. They work together to ensure that information flows smoothly within the club and that timely and accurate communication is maintained with players, parents, and stakeholders.

Club Operations and Marketing Director: Kevin O'Neil

Kevin serves as the Club Operations and Marketing Director for the Buffalo Stallions Club. His key responsibilities include:

Providing overall leadership and strategic direction for the club: Kevin takes charge of the club's overall operations and sets the strategic direction in collaboration with the executive director. He ensures that the club's mission and goals are consistently pursued.
Managing day-to-day operations of the club: Kevin oversees the daily operations of the club, including scheduling of training sessions, games, and events. He ensures that the necessary facilities, equipment, and resources are available for these activities.
Expanding the club and fostering growth opportunities: Kevin actively seeks growth opportunities for the club. He explores possibilities for expanding the club's reach, forming partnerships, and creating new avenues for player development and participation in competitive soccer.
Developing and implementing marketing strategies: Kevin devises marketing strategies to promote the club and attract new players. He explores various channels and platforms to create awareness about the Buffalo Stallions and engages with the community to generate interest and participation.
Managing social media accounts and online presence: Kevin maintains the club's social media accounts and online presence. He actively engages with the community, shares updates about the club's activities, and responds to inquiries and comments to foster a sense of connection and interaction.

Club Administrative Director: Brian Cribbs

As the Club Administrative Director, Brian handles various administrative tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the Buffalo Stallions club. His responsibilities include:

Player registrations and accounts receivable: Brian manages the registration process for new and existing players, ensuring that all necessary paperwork and payments are completed accurately and on time. He also handles accounts receivable, tracking payments and managing financial records.
Club communications and correspondence: Brian is responsible for managing the club's communications. He handles correspondence with players, parents, and other stakeholders, ensuring timely and effective communication regarding club activities, schedules, and important updates.
Efficient organization and record-keeping: Brian ensures that the club's administrative processes and systems are well-organized and efficient. He maintains records, files, and databases, ensuring easy access to important information and smooth operations within the administrative department.

Technical Director of Soccer: Rudy Pompert

Rudy serves as the Technical Director of Soccer for the Buffalo Stallions club. His responsibilities include:

Overseeing Teams Within the Club Structure
Rudy provides guidance and support to the coaches and teams within the club, ensuring they are well-organized and aligned with the club's philosophy and goals.
Recruiting, Training, and Evaluating Coaches
Rudy is responsible for selecting, mentoring, and evaluating coaches for the various teams within the club. He ensures that coaches are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively develop players.
Ensuring Effective Team Management and Player Development
Rudy works closely with coaches to ensure smooth team operations and consistent player development. He monitors progress, offers feedback and guidance, and implements strategies to enhance the performance and growth of players and teams across the club.
Program Development for the Buffalo Junior Stallions
Rudy oversees the planning, execution, and growth of the Buffalo Junior Stallions program, catering to players aged 6 to 9. He ensures that the program aligns with the club’s long-term vision by incorporating foundational soccer skills, age-appropriate training, and a love for the game. Rudy also collaborates with parents and local communities to promote the program and recruit young talent.
Shaping the Club’s Technical Philosophy
Rudy establishes a unified playing philosophy and coaching methodology across all age groups to create a seamless player pathway from youth to semi-professional soccer. He develops long-term plans for the club’s technical growth, focusing on sustainable success and player retention.

Director of Technology and College Assistance: Corey Deville

Corey is responsible for managing the club's technology initiatives and assisting players in navigating their college soccer pathways. His main roles and responsibilities include:

Overseeing Technology Integration:
Corey manages the implementation and operation of the club's technological resources, including the Trace camera systems for the 2024/2025 season. He ensures these tools are effectively utilized to enhance player development and performance analysis.
Facilitating College Placement:
Corey serves as the College Placement Liaison, guiding players and families through the recruitment process, providing resources for navigating collegiate opportunities, and building connections with college coaches.
Conducting Player Meetings:
Corey organizes and leads individual and group meetings with players to provide tailored guidance on development, college preparation, and using technology to analyze and improve performance.
Setting Coaching Standards:
Corey works closely with the coaching staff to establish and maintain standards that align with the club's philosophy and goals, ensuring a consistent and professional approach to player development.
Utilizing Technology for Player Development:
Corey leverages data and insights from advanced technologies to support coaches and players in identifying areas for improvement and tracking progress over time.