What to know about Vermont Clover FC, the state's newly launched UPSL club
Founders of Vermont Clover FC hope to build UPSL club into a thriving player development program for the state's top players.
Vermont Clover FC made a victorious debut in the United Premier Soccer League earlier this month. But the newly formed club is aiming for more than just wins on the pitch: They want to be the premier development program for Vermont soccer players. "This is a place for the best of the best kids from Vermont to play in a semipro atmosphere in the Burlington area," said co-founder Shane Bufano, who's the head coach of the Champlain Valley Union High School boys soccer team .
"This is about player development. We want to showcase what Vermont players are capable of, what homegrown Vermont players are capable of. " Trey Bosworth and Chris George, Bosworth's former coach at Middlebury Union High School are the co-founders along with Bufano and Brian Buczek, the former bench boss at Stowe who doubles as Clover's head coach.
Clover FC have seen a large turnout for trainings, with over 80 college players. The club also has a pathway program for high school seniors to get ready for the college game. And for players who don't make the Clover FC game-day roster, Bufano said they will have a squad for the Elite 11 adult league.
"Being in these training environments, I wish this was available when I played," said Bufano, a CVU alum and former in-state college player. "It’s so valuable for experience. " What is the United Soccer Premier League?