TAMPA, Fla. — A merger to the Boys & Girls Clubs organization will make it one of the largest in the nation.

The historic merger also will create one of the nation’s largest Boys & Girls Clubs in the Tampa Bay area. This will bring an expansion to programs and locations to help serve more students on a broader scale.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay are combining.

Freddy Williams, President and CEO of the organization, has a goal of expanding the organization’s impact.

“The reason why we wanted to merge is it was important to make sure that we could redirect resources so we can serve more kids,” Williams said. “We’ve realized that kids have an unmet demand, there are so many kids that need our services but were resource constraint.”

Services include after-school tutoring, mentorship programs, sports, emotional wellness programs, workforce readiness training and recreation activities.

“My hope is that we can provide experiences and opportunities for all young people in our community, irrespective of their zip code, financial circumstances, all kids should have the opportunities and experiences so they can become caring, productive and responsible citizens,” Williams said.

The merger is the next step following what the organization calls a successful year under a shared services agreement. Leaders say collaboration has helped improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

According to Williams, attendance has increased since November 2023, resulting in 3,000 youth being served at more than 40 locations on a daily basis. 30,000 more students are impacted through outreach specialized programs.

The programs are aimed at starting and ending a student’s day in a positive way.

Da’nilah Sermons is a 13-year-old who participates in club activities before heading to school.

“I’m already energetic and I’m happy and I’m in a good mood,” Sermons said.

Sophia Rajpaul is another participant at 12 years old.

“All the activities they have in store is really fun and how they are not only academically, but physically or emotionally connecting us to the school and different parts of our life,” Rajpaul said.

“It’s been one of the greatest honors of my life to now provide leadership from an organization that saved my life as a young person,” Williams said.

Williams benefited from the Boys & Girls Clubs as a child.

As this organization expands to offer more youth encouragement and empowerment, new branding of the combined clubs is slated to launch in June 2025.