Chargers Soccer Club

What Chargers Soccer Club does

Chargers Soccer Club is a 501(c)-equivalent non-profit youth soccer organization operating across three campuses in the Tampa Bay region of Florida — Clearwater (Pinellas County), Lakewood Ranch (Manatee County), and Tampa (Hillsborough County). Founded in 1972 and reconstituted through a merger of long-standing Clearwater and Fusion-area clubs, the club serves approximately 3,800 players aged 4 through adult through a vertically tiered program structure: Recreational (In-House U4–U10 and TARSA U11–U19), Competitive (U7–U19 across Yellow/Red/White and Select/Premier/Elite tiers), Pre-MLS developmental academy (U9–U12 with Individual Development Plans), and MLS NEXT (U13–U19), supplemented by a UPSL semi-professional adult team. Programs are delivered by 100+ coaches across the three campuses under the leadership of President Ken Jewell, Executive Director Mike Keeney, and a recently appointed Sporting Director, Eddie Loewen.

The organization runs its core operations on the GotSport registration and team-management platform for player registration, tournament sign-ups, and team administration, and leverages the Premier Sports Campus — a 140-acre facility with 22 full-sized fields, 8 lighted, and a 3,500-seat stadium — as the home venue for top-tier MLS NEXT teams. Its FIFA-recognized coaching methodology, formalized as a "Holistic Player Development Framework" integrating mental, emotional, social, and tactical training, has been featured on FIFA Training Centre and underpins a structured Pre-MLS to MLS NEXT pathway.

Revenue is generated primarily through annual recurring player registration fees across recreational, competitive, and elite tiers (ranging from roughly $255 for entry-level U4/U6 recreational to multi-thousand-dollar MLS NEXT packages), with secondary streams from tournament hosting fees ($825–$975 per team), summer camps and clinics, and commercial partnerships including an exclusive multi-year PUMA King Club apparel and equipment deal (held by only 15 U.S. youth clubs) and a WeGotSoccer retail partnership, supplemented by campus sponsors (AdventHealth, Delguardian Law, Smith & Hopen). The club's stated mission is to provide a positive developmental environment and a clear pathway from grassroots to collegiate, professional, and national-team soccer — supported by documented alumni placements into MLS, D.C. United, Philadelphia Union, and U.S. national team programs.

Name

Chargers Soccer Club

Legal name

Chargers Soccer Club

Website

https://chargerssoccer.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Chargers Soccer Club is a non-profit youth soccer organization operating three Tampa Bay campuses (Clearwater, Lakewood Ranch, Tampa) and serving 3,800+ players ages 4 to adult through recreational, competitive, Pre-MLS developmental, and elite MLS NEXT programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Soccer Club Services

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations (MPAKACAE)

Keywords

• Youth soccer programs
• Competitive soccer training
• Elite player development
• Soccer academy pathway
• Recreational youth sports

Headquarters

HQ city

Clearwater

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Recreational Program Registration: Seasonal registration fees for recreational soccer programs serving players ages 4-19. Programs include In-House (U4-U10) and TARSA Recreational (U11-U19) leagues at Tampa campus. Uniforms included in select registration tiers.
2. Competitive Program Registration: Annual registration fees for competitive and premier level players ages 7-19 across three campuses. Teams train 2-3 times per week minimum and participate in regional leagues and tournaments.
3. MLS NEXT Program Fees: Year-round elite development program fees for MLS NEXT and MLS NEXT 2 teams (U13-U19). Two-tier structure provides tiered access with top-tier at Premier Sports Campus and MLS NEXT 2 at Clearwater Campus.
4. Tournament Registration Fees: Labor Day Tournament fees ranging from $825 (U9-U10) to $975 (U13-U19). Teams responsible for referee fees ($30-$70 per team per game). Additional tournament hosting revenue from Easter Classic (Spring 2027).
5. Camps and Clinics Revenue: Summer camp programs including Global Soccer Development Camp (July 6-10), Soccer Fun with Coach Juan (June 15-19), Clearwater Soccer Skills Camp, and July Soccer Program. Partnerships with Global Soccer Development for DFB Soccer Camp Bradenton.
6. Sponsorship and Equipment Partnerships: Multi-year partnerships with PUMA (exclusive apparel, equipment, and PUMA King Club designation), WeGotSoccer (official retail/uniform provider), and campus sponsors (Advent Health, Delguardian Law, Smith & Hopen).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Chargers Soccer Club is a non-profit youth soccer organization operating across three Florida campuses (Clearwater, Lakewood Ranch, and Tampa) that delivers a complete player development pathway for more than 3,800 players aged 4 through adult, including Recreational, Competitive travel, Pre-MLS developmental, MLS NEXT elite academy, and UPSL adult semi-professional teams. The club also runs year-round soccer camps and clinics, hosts major tournaments such as the Labor Day Tournament and the 3v3 Live Tournament Series, and conducts MLS NEXT Talent ID sessions.

Product overview

Chargers Soccer Club is a multi-campus youth soccer organization operating recreational, competitive, and elite academy programs across Clearwater, Lakewood Ranch, and Tampa in the Tampa Bay region. The club serves 3,800+ players aged 4-19 through tiered programming: Recreational Program (ages 4-19) for community-based fun; Competitive Program (ages 7-19) with tiered teams; Pre-MLS Program (U9-U12) as developmental pathway to MLS NEXT; MLS NEXT Academy (U13-U19) as premier elite platform; and UPSL adult amateur team. The club also operates camps, tournaments (Labor Day, 3v3 Live series), and strategic partnerships with PUMA (official outfitter/King Club), WeGotSoccer (retail), and FC Sarasota. Programs are supported by Individual Development Plans and access to Premier Sports Campus (140-acre, 22-field complex).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MLS NEXT: The club's elite youth development program for players U13-U19, providing a pathway to collegiate and professional soccer.
• Pre-MLS Program
• Chargers UPSL Team

Products and services

• Recreational Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 65 professional contracts secured from 270 player trials since 2020 through Global Soccer Development partnership
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• PUMAflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025Exclusive multi-year partnership making PUMA the club's exclusive apparel and equipment brand. Chargers SC joins elite PUMA King Club, held by only 15 youth clubs in the U.S. PUMA provides custom Chargers SC kits, early access to performance technologies, co-branded marketing, and enhanced scouting exposure through PUMA's global soccer network. Partnership aligns with club's professional, high-performance environment commitment.
• WeGotSoccercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2025Nation's premier soccer specialty retailer as official retail and uniform provider for the club. WeGotSoccer provides state-of-the-art e-commerce platform and in-store retail experience with streamlined access to high-quality uniforms and soccer gear for Chargers players, families, and coaching staff.
• FC SarasotaflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025Groundbreaking partnership focused on long-term youth soccer player development across Manatee and Sarasota counties. Creates seamless pathway from grassroots programming to elite MLS NEXT, DPL, and Elite Showcase competitions. Aligns resources, expertise, and player development philosophies to build unified structure supporting every stage of young athlete's journey.
• 3v3 LivecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025Co-hosting 3v3 tournament series at Chargers SC campuses throughout 2025 and 2026. Events open to players of all levels promoting skill development, creativity, and passion for game in small-sided, high-touch environment. First tournament at Clearwater Campus drew teams from across the region.
• FIFA (Training Centre Contributor)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025Chargers SC contributes content to FIFA Training Centre digital platform sharing best practices in coaching and player development globally. FIFA visited club to observe and document player development environment, methodology, and coaching philosophy. Content captured for fifatrainingcentre.com providing coaches worldwide with insights into Chargers' progressive approach.
• MLS NEXTflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member of U.S. Development Academy (now MLS NEXT) since 2006. MLS NEXT serves as highest level of youth soccer competition across the U.S. with 113 member clubs, 489 teams, 9,000+ players. Club participates in two-tier structure: MLS NEXT (top-tier at Premier Sports Campus) and MLS NEXT 2 (Clearwater Campus).
• Florida Academy League (FAL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPre-MLS teams compete in Florida Academy League, highest level of competition for U9-U12 players in Florida. League brings together most advanced youth academies ensuring players are regularly challenged against top talent.
• West Florida Premier League (WFPL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPre-MLS teams compete in WFPL featuring multiple competition levels supporting both developing and advanced teams with consistent, quality matches throughout season.
• United Premier Soccer League (UPSL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClub's UPSL team competes in one of largest and most competitive amateur leagues in U.S. with over 325 teams nationwide. League serves as vital bridge between youth development and professional opportunities with unique promotion/relegation system.
• Global Soccer DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEddie Loewen co-founded Global Soccer Development and International Soccer Academy helping American players access professional opportunities abroad. Since 2020, has helped 270 players secure trials with professional clubs, resulting in 65 professional contracts. Partnership supports player pathway from MLS NEXT to professional environments.
• Philadelphia UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLS organization with established relationship for helping players transition from Chargers MLS NEXT environment into professional academy system. Neo Heyral transitioned to Philadelphia Union U18 under this pathway.
• D.C. UnitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMLS organization maintaining strong relationships for player transitions from Chargers MLS NEXT to professional academy. Gabriel Vasquez transitioned to D.C. United academy and U15 U.S. National Team.
• Tampa Bay RowdiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional soccer organization with connection through former coach Takuya Yamada's induction into 75/10 Club. Chargers players participated as mascots and ball boys in US Open Cup match. Partnership fosters connection between grassroots and professional game.
• AdventHealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Tampa Recreational Program supporting community-based soccer with healthcare partnership.
• Delguardian LawminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Clearwater Recreational Program supporting youth soccer development.
• Smith & HopenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of UPSL Program supporting semi-professional player pathway.
• Premier Sports CampuscoreOthers140-acre facility with 22 full-sized fields, 8 lighted fields, and 3,500-seat stadium serving as home venue for Lakewood Ranch Campus and MLS NEXT top-tier teams.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• IMG Academy: The leading global multi-sport youth performance and boarding academy in Bradenton, Florida. Comparable as a youth athlete development organization though broader (multi-sport), better-capitalized, and able to deliver elite collegiate/professional pathways through integrated academic and athletic programming.

Direct peers

• Atlanta United FC Academy: MLS NEXT academy of Atlanta United FC, competing for elite youth talent nationally. Comparable via MLS NEXT participation, elite player development focus, and relationships feeding into a first-team professional pathway.
• Bethesda SC: Large, established MLS NEXT member club on the East Coast running a similar recreational-to-MLS NEXT pathway at scale. Comparable via founding ECNL/MLS involvement, multi-campus footprint in a major metro, and proven player-development outcomes.
• Philadelphia Union Academy: MLS NEXT academy of the Philadelphia Union; has an established relationship with Chargers SC for player transitions (e.g., Neo Heyral into Union U18). Comparable MLS-club-backed pathway competitor for elite player recruitment.
• Players Development Academy (PDA): Top East Coast MLS NEXT youth soccer organization serving thousands of players across multiple New Jersey locations. Comparable via elite development focus, MLS NEXT membership, and proven professional/college placement track record.
• Solar Soccer Club: One of the largest youth soccer clubs in the United States based in Texas, operating a similar multi-campus model with MLS NEXT teams. Most directly comparable by scale (thousands of players), MLS NEXT membership, and grassroots-to-elite pathway structure.
• Sockers FC Chicago: Long-standing Midwest youth soccer club with MLS NEXT membership and a large multi-program structure spanning recreational through elite. Operates similar age-tier programming and tournament hosting business model.
• D.C. United Academy: MLS NEXT academy of D.C. United; has a stated relationship with Chargers SC for player transitions (Gabriel Vasquez into D.C. United academy and U.S. U-15 National Team). Comparable MLS-club pathway competitor at the elite end of the funnel.
• Inter Miami CF Academy: MLS professional club's youth academy operating MLS NEXT teams competing directly for elite Florida youth talent. Direct rivalry for top players in the same regional talent pool, with materially larger budget and direct first-team affiliation.

Others

• Tampa Bay Rowdies: Professional soccer team in the same geographic market. Not a direct competitor (professional vs. youth); adjacent ecosystem participant connected via Chargers' alumni (e.g., former coach Takuya Yamada inducted into Rowdies' 75/10 Club) and shared local soccer community.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ChargersSC
• Instagraminstagram.com/ChargersSC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chargers-soccer-club

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chargers Soccer Club