WNY Flash Academy Expanding to Erie, PA

New Partnership Between the Flash and Erie Sports Center

May 7, 2026 – The Western New York Flash Youth Soccer Academy is proud to announce its expansion into Erie, Pennsylvania.

The move is being made possible by a partnership with the Erie Sports Center, which will see their Commodores youth soccer club become Flash Erie. That will bring around 400 current players into the Flash Family, in addition to new youth programming, tournaments, camps, and clinics that will be hosted at Erie Sports Center.

Aaran Lines, Vice President of the WNY Flash Academy, says the organization is excited to expand into the Erie market and build upon the strong program already established by Troy Bingham and his staff with the Commodores.

“Erie Sports Center has done an outstanding job building the Commodores program and creating real momentum in the Erie soccer community,” says Lines.

“We’ve loved the growth and progress we’ve seen in the players in that program over the last few years.”

Flash Executive Director Eric Dade says he believes those players in Erie will benefit from joining the Flash Academy right away.

“We see a tremendous opportunity to build on that success by introducing the Flash developmental model and providing our access to national platforms to compete and to advance our players.”

Troy Bingham, founder of the Erie Sports Center and transitional Flash Erie Director, says the partnership represents an important step forward for the growth of soccer in the region.

“Over the past few years, we have worked hard to build a strong club culture and a rapidly growing player base here in Erie. Our goal has always been to provide local players with the best possible developmental environment, while creating a pathway to higher levels of the game. Partnering with the Flash allows us to build on that foundation and connect Erie players to one of the most respected academies in the country.”

Flash Erie will be based out of Erie Sports Center, a 54-acre facility with ten outdoor soccer fields and one full-sized indoor field. There is also a 16,000 square foot sports performance center on site, tons of additional amenities, and future plans to build a soccer skills arena and more turf fields.

The Commodores coaching staff that will be joining the Flash are among the best in the region, with collegiate and professional playing experience alongside their coaching experience.

“Our coaches are all excited to be part of the club going forward and are all very excited to create one club in Erie with everything local players need – great facilities, quality coaching, and unparalleled pathway opportunities,” adds Bingham.

Details about tryouts and other programming for the 2026-2027 season will be coming soon.

For those interested in learning more about the WNY Flash Academy, head over to our website at wnyflash.com/flash-erie.