In August 2007, Western New York’s top soccer clubs, the Rochester Junior Rhinos, Syracuse Football Club and Buffalo United Soccer Club joined together to apply for membership in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. The common purpose of these clubs was acknowledged with their strong working relationship and shared vision of the development of youth soccer.

During the 2007-08 season, their U.S. Soccer Development Academy Boys’ U16 and Boys’ U18 teams competed under the Empire United Soccer Academy name. These teams consisted of players from the Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse communities. These athletes committed to playing at an extremely competitive level, following a training and competition schedule developed in conjunction with the United States Soccer Federation.

This combined effort enabled area soccer players at all levels to attain their individual goals and maximize their potential. The strength of the new collaboration was recognized when the group received one of the sixty-four initial memberships in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy

As the clubs concluded the 2008-09 season, the Rochester Junior Rhinos, Syracuse Football Club and Buffalo United Soccer Club ended operations in July of 2008.

A new club was started in August 2008. Empire United Soccer Academy includes players from Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse and operates as a single state-wide entity. The national credibility of Empire United Soccer Academy will leverage off of the prestige of the US Soccer Development Academy. This brand recognition will help in gaining acceptance into regional and national competitions and will distinguish players with college coaches on a national scale.

In it’s 10 year existence, with 58 State Championships, one USYSA National Championship and 3 USYSA National Coaches of the year, the Rochester Junior Rhinos are knowledged as the most successful youth soccer organization in New York State West Youth Soccer Association history.