December 7th, 2008

(Buffalo, NY)--Buffalo City Football Club is pleased to announce the hiring of Craig Mander as the club’s European scout adviser and coach. Mander, a native of the UK, is currently the Academy Director of AFA Marbella in Spain.

Mander a former professional player and coach for Stevenage FC is one of the brightest coaches in Spain. Craig took over as Director at AFA in 2005.  At that time, AFA had 5 teams and approx 60 players.  Today, the club hasr 150 registered players, and now 9 teams from age 6 to 19 playing for AFA Marbella.  We have active scouting network to attract talent to the club, and we have relationships with European teams to ensure our players can make it as professional players. 

“I’m looking forward to working with Craig and have known him for several years now as a player and coach,” Buffalo head coach Mike Share said. “Craig will be a valued member of our staff and a good coach to have around for our youth development as well as being one of our main advisers in Europe.”

Share also noted that there are already arrangements for AFA Marbella to come over to Buffalo on tour in late June. “With AFA Marbella being our official European Academy, We are looking forward to haveº several AFA players in our first team in the near future,” Share said. “Craig will play a huge part in developing the players in Spain and helping our players secure deals in Europe with clubs like Fulham.”

Mander echoed Mike Share's sentiments I am very excited to be involved with Buffalo City FC and the growth of soccer in Buffalo.  I've only heard great things about the city, and this partnership will be sure to help players grow. Our players are already looking forward to the trip to Buffalo this summer and I also look forward to welcoming the first Buffalo City FC player to Europe. 

Buffalo City Football Club is Buffalo's premier soccer organization since 2008. Combining a winning tradition on the pitch with a standard of excellence within the community, BCFC remains the height of achievement in professionally run sport. For more information please contact Scott Frauenhofer at sfrauenhofer@buffalocityfc.com or at (716) 860-3115.