Florida Youth Soccer Merge
Soccer News: The Board of Directors of Tampa Bay United SC (TBU) and West Florida Flames SC (WFF) announced the decision to merge into one full service soccer organization serving its members with consistent quality coaching, player development and club management. Pending Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) approval the two organizations will begin to transition activities to combine in January 2016 in preparation for the 2016-17 season. The merged entity will serve the Greater Tampa Bay Area with quality youth to adult soccer programming and integrated player development.
“This collaborative and visionary effort culminating in this merger ensures both current and future members and staff of the new organization will be in step and in the forefront of the growth model of youth soccer both regionally and nationally,” said Ed Pritchard, President of Tampa Bay United.
The new club will represent approximately 250 plus youth competitive teams comprised of multiple teams and skill levels in every age group, supporting the development of over 3,000 competitive players. It will continue to offer location-based recreational programs for over 5,000 players in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties. In addition, the new club will continue to operate robust adult league and TopSoccer programs. Operation of these programs serves approximately 9,000 players, making it the largest soccer organization of its kind in Florida and a major player nationally.
“This is the natural evolution for soccer in our region and the merger sets the stage for an exciting future for our area,” said Scott Papes, President of West Florida Flames.
