Tampa Bay United and Largo United Soccer Club are pleased to announce that effective for the tryout period beginning May 2014 the two clubs will merge their respective competitive soccer programs for boys and girls. Largo United will join Tampa Bay United as TBU-WEST. This merger between two like-minded clubs that focus on technical and tactical development of youth players at every level will expand the player pool and regional footprint of TBU opening up the opportunity for Pinellas County players.
The merger will now provide access to Pinellas county players a place to join a growing pool of high-level teams that have been historically produced by TBU. Largo United will provide an additional well-established coaching staff, top rated facilities and several teams that have had significant success in recent years. It is about providing the best professional environment for players of all competencies in the Tampa Bay Area, not just about college placement or trophies.
The merger will focus on the competitive teams only with Largo United continuing to operate a full-scale recreational program beginning August 2014.
Al Sousa, Executive Director of Largo United, said “ this merger is timely on many fronts and will serve and provide a platform for Pinellas county players to have access to one of the most successful clubs in recent years.” The merger will provide access to current TBU coaching staff, leagues, TBU’s college program and much more. Sousa adds, “ We anticipate making a huge impact on the Pinellas side of the Bay Area with the merger of our respective clubs.”
Tampa Bay United competes in the U.S. Developmental Academy, USYS National League, R3PL, National Premier League, CDL League, FSPL, & USA League.
“Largo United has a long-standing tradition of developing players and running their soccer club with high standards and professionalism. They possess similar core values and philosophies as it pertains to player development and the way a club should operate. We are extremely excited to have this organization as part of the Tampa Bay United family.” said Eric Sims, TBU Executive Director.
The merger will create teams playing out of the three sites, TBU –North (Ed Radice Complex) , TBU – South (Monroe Middle) and TBU –West (formally Largo United) at the Belcher Rd Soccer Complex.
TBU will continue with its present team format of Premier, Elite, Select, and Classic level teams for age groups u13 through u19s boys and girls. Premier and Elite level teams will train at all TBU locations. All Select and Classic level teams as well as all U9 – U12 teams will train at their geographical sites North, South and West respectively.
In order to provide additional information regarding the merger structure and how each site will function an Informational Presentation meeting will be held on May 19, 2014 at Abundant Life Ministries in Largo.
A coordinated tryout schedule is being formalized and will be published for all age groups and teams, by site and will be displayed on each clubs website.
This merger is subject to the approval of Florida State Youth Soccer Association.
Questions and additional information regarding the merger please contact either Eric Sims or Al Sousa.