SoccerSam was born and raised in Rochester, NY and fell in love with the great game of soccer in 1970 at the age of 10. SoccerSam began playing that year with the Rochester Juniors and his uncle Al Oliveri took him to his first Lancers game. SoccerSam has been an avid fan of Indoor and Outdoor American Soccer ever since and continues to play.

SoccerSam has been involved with soccer his entire life and has helped grow the sport.  SoccerSam took over as commissioner of the Irondequoit Fall Soccer League (IFSL) in 1980 with the help of his wife Linda.  He started the SoccerSam TV Show in 1994, which was America's first weekly soccer show.

SoccerSam was the assistant to the GM for the Rochester Rhinos and helped the Rhinos reach national success from 1996 - 2009.  In 2011 he reignited the Rochester Lancers Indoor Soccer Team which competed in the MISL and now the MASL.  In 2017 he brought the Rochester Lancers back into the outdoor scene in the NPSL.  Sam continues to evolve soccer in the United States and is dedicated to reviving Soccer Town USA.

SoccerSam is the Founder and CEO of Salvatore's Old Fashioned Pizzeria.  In 1978, he took a High School project and opened the first Salvatore's location. Today there are over 30 locations throughout Monroe County including outlets at Frontier Field, Dome Arena, Glacier Ridge Sports Park and the Greater Rochester Airport. The Salvatore's Pizza Family employs over 1,600 Rochesterians. SoccerSam also helped recreate the Donuts Delite brand in 2009 and refurbished the Rochester landmark building at Empire Blvd. & Culver Rd. This is one of the only pizzeria/donut shops in the country.  In 2014, he acquired the franchise rights to bring Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips back to the Rochester area. Today several Salvatore's locations have dining rooms with full bar service. SoccerSam went from being a part time professional wrestler, "Dr. Love" to one of Rochester's Top Pizza Franchisor's. 

To Honor SoccerSam and all the wonderful things he has done for the Rochester Soccer Community we are honoring him with the SoccerSam Scholarship Fund.  This fund will help make dreams come true for local soccer players & families to play with the Rochester Lancers Academy.

CHANGE A LIFE AND BUILD OUR SOCCER FUTURE

SoccerSam Scholarship Fund

Great talent comes from all area and backgrounds.  Since 1996, Doug Miller has fueled the Rochester soccer market and in partnership with SoccerSam we are looking for your support with our SoccerSam Scholarship Fund.  All monies raised will help players in the Western NY area achieve their soccer goals by breaking down economic barriers and making soccer affordable for those players and families who cannot pay to play.  

The average scholarship award will help cover Rochester Lancers Academy tuition costs & travel costs during our 10 month season.  Will you help support a young player with a dream to play soccer?  You can change a life, help build a sport and inspire a community.

Mission

The SoccerSam Scholarship inspires, encourages and supports the Rochester Soccer Community athletes to participate in the Rochester Lancers Academy by providing information, advisement and scholarships.  

Values
The SoccerSam Scholarship Fund believes athletes deserve an opportunity to live their soccer dreams.  A lack of money should not be an obstacle to an athlete striving to reach their goals.  The values of each athlete requesting scholarship assistance should understand the foundations of Desire, Determination, Dedication, Respect and Integrity.  

• Awarding scholarships provided by generous donors, sponsors and club fundraising
• Advising soccer athletes on how to advance into college soccer and beyond
• Reaching out to encourage athletes who are underserved or overlooked

Criteria for Scholarships

• Full time students and must maintain a 3.0 G.P.A
• Essay of why you deserve this scholarship
• Letter of recommendation from 1 person outside your family
• Income verification or financial hardship
• Commitment to the Rochester Lancers Academy
• Volunteer hours from athlete or family during club events

APPLY FOR THE SOCCERSAM SCHOLARSHIP FUND 

Make your impact on the Future of Rochester Soccer

Show your passion and support for future of Rochester Soccer.  You can help develop world-class players, that will inspire our soccer community.   Please select the level of support that is right for you and make a dream come true!