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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay: A New Chapter for Youth Services

On May 1, 2025, a significant development unfolded in the Tampa Bay area as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast united to create the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay. This partnership is set to be much more than a mere name change; it signifies a comprehensive strategy to enhance the impact of services offered to local youth across Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.

With an eye toward the organization’s 100th anniversary, this merger is poised to amplify outreach and deepen community ties, allowing an increasing number of children and families to benefit from robust programs and resources. By pooling leadership, experience, and community engagement, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay aims to become a pivotal institution for youth advocacy and development in the region.

Leadership and Growth
At the helm of this transformative endeavor is Freddy Williams, an alumnus of the Boys & Girls Clubs and an established leader in youth development. Continuing as the President and CEO, Williams has led the Suncoast Clubs to remarkable success, including seven consecutive years of revenue growth and national accolades. “This name change represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter that honors our legacies while creating brighter opportunities for the youth we serve,” he remarked, emphasizing the unifying vision behind the merger.

Williams reiterated that young people prioritize support and opportunities above geographic boundaries. By coming together, the two organizations strengthen their commitment to provide excellence to every child who walks through their doors.

Vision for the Future
As the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay consolidates, it focuses on innovation and sustainability in service delivery. The collaborative effort was supported by various local partners who offered pro-bono services, including strategic marketing and legal counsel, to ensure a smooth transition into this new era. This support from the community has positioned the organization as one of the largest youth-serving entities in the region, dedicated to programming that enhances academic achievement, leadership skills, workforce readiness, and overall wellness.

The merger was preceded by months of collaboration between the boards of both organizations, along with guidance from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Ensuring cultural alignment and operational efficiency were central to the merger process. Board Chair Edwin Narain commented on the organization's pride in its impact across both Hillsborough and Pasco counties, noting, “This merger allows us to extend our reach while remaining true to the values that have sustained us.”

Elizabeth Constantine, another board chair, added, “From Clearwater to Plant City and everywhere in between, this move translates to greater access and opportunities for young people—a win for every community in Greater Tampa Bay.”

A Heritage of Service
As the organization gears up for its centennial milestone, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay is earnest about crafting a future where all youth have access to the support and tools they need to thrive. The collaborative spirit seen in this merger encapsulates the essence of community engagement and highlights the importance of collective aspirations for the region’s youth.

To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay, to find local clubs, or to support their mission, you can visit their websites at bgctampa.org and bgcsun.org.

As this new chapter commences, all eyes will be on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay as they embrace their enhanced role in shaping the futures of countless children in the community.