Our History
In 2007, Algonquin Studios, a locally-owned and operated company in the city of Buffalo, redirected some of its annual charitable contributions to create a not-for-profit entity called Algonquin Sports for Kids (AS for Kids). At that time, Buffalo Soccer Club, Algonquin’s main program, offered opportunities to youth on the East Side of Buffalo to play the game of soccer. Working with 100-200 players over the first several years, the organization was able to provide consistent and safe places to play in the area.
In 2012, Algonquin Sports for Kids partnered with Independent Health Foundation and the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County to provide the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Soccer For Success program in Buffalo and surrounding areas. Soccer for Success is the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s free afterschool program that uses soccer as a tool to address children's health issues and juvenile delinquency while promoting healthy lifestyles in urban underserved communities. AS for Kids and the Soccer For Success program serves over 2,250 youth from the City’s of Buffalo and Lackawanna annually and has proven results seeing statistically significant changes in BMI and cardiovascular endurance for youth in the program.
In 2017, the organization began Algonquin Tennis, expanding the opportunities for players in our programs and communities to explore additional sports opportunities. This program continues to focus on using coaches as powerful positive mentors in the lives of youth across the community. Our sportiung portfolio has continued to grow, even through the pandemic, as we have added Skateboarding and Track & Field Programming. While offering our own programs, we are proud to collaborate and work with many other local organizations.
We are excited to continue to grow and build the programs and opportunities for play across the Western New York community.