Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Child's Soccer Journey Starts Here
Established in 1979, Florida Celtic Soccer Club has been a cornerstone of youth soccer development in the Tampa Bay area. Our mission focuses on creating a safe, inclusive environment where players aged 18 and under can cultivate technical skills, teamwork, and core values like integrity and commitment. With four campuses across Pinellas County, we offer competitive academy programs, recreational leagues, and specialized initiatives like TOPSoccer to serve diverse community needs. Our licensed coaching staff emphasizes holistic player development through positive coaching methodologies that address technical, tactical, physical, and psychological aspects of the game.As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we prioritize community engagement and accessibility, ensuring financial status does not limit participation. Our board of directors and volunteer network support monthly meetings and committee involvement to maintain transparent governance and continuous improvement.
Services
Competitive Soccer
Recreational Soccer
Little Rascals Program
TOPSoccer Program
Coaching Clinics
Player Development
Team Training
Summer Camps
Parent Resources
Field Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of youth soccer development experience in the Tampa Bay area
- Our licensed coaching staff emphasizes holistic player growth through technical and values-based training
- Four convenient campus locations minimize travel for families across Pinellas County
- Inclusive programs accommodate players of all abilities, including TOPSoccer for special needs athletes
- Community-rooted governance with volunteer board participation opportunities
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Services
Competitive Soccer
High-level soccer training programs for serious athletes competing statewide and nationally. Our academy teams receive professional coaching and participate in regional/national tournaments. Players develop advanced technical skills while learning strategic gameplay and sportsmanship.
Recreational Soccer
Family-friendly soccer programs emphasizing fun and fundamental skill development. Designed for casual players seeking local competition, our recreational leagues maintain low costs and minimal travel requirements while promoting teamwork and physical fitness.
Little Rascals Program
Specialized soccer instruction for 3-4 year olds introducing basic motor skills and game concepts. Our age-appropriate curriculum focuses on coordination development and social interaction through playful, structured activities led by experienced coaches.
TOPSoccer Program
Inclusive soccer initiative for children with physical or developmental disabilities. Specially trained volunteers and modified training methods ensure equal participation opportunities, fostering confidence and social integration through adapted soccer activities.
Coaching Clinics
Specialized training sessions focusing on specific soccer skills like goalkeeping techniques and tactical strategies. Our clinics provide personalized instruction from expert coaches to improve individual player performance and game understanding.
People
John Orr
Executive Director
With decades of soccer leadership experience, John Orr oversees Florida Celtic's strategic direction as Executive Director. He previously served as Recreational Director before transitioning to this leadership role in 2025.
Ethan Bandr
Goalkeeper Coach
Specialist goalkeeper coach Ethan Bandr joined Florida Celtic in 2025, bringing expertise in advanced goalkeeping techniques and youth development strategies to enhance player performance across all age groups.
Sarah Filipek
Board President
Sarah Filipek leads Florida Celtic's board with a commitment to community engagement and organizational growth, overseeing governance and strategic planning for the club's continued success.
Christine Gomes
Treasurer
Christine Gomes manages financial operations as Treasurer, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth for Florida Celtic's youth programs while maintaining transparent budgeting practices.
Martin Wilde
Vice President
Vice President Martin Wilde supports club operations and community outreach initiatives, working closely with staff and volunteers to maintain Florida Celtic's mission of accessible, quality soccer training.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children aged 3-18, including specialized Little Rascals (3-4 years) and youth soccer through age 18.
Are there financial aid options available?
Yes, we provide financial assistance programs to ensure all children can participate regardless of economic circumstances.
How many locations do you operate?
We maintain four campus locations across Pinellas County: Largo East, Largo West, Belleair, and Palm Harbor.
Can I volunteer with the organization?
We welcome volunteers for coaching, board positions, and committee work. Contact our board president for opportunities.
Do you offer special needs programs?
Yes, our TOPSoccer program provides adapted soccer training for children with physical or developmental disabilities.
Reviews (4)
Chris Love
Oct 31, 2021
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My review is only based off one coach for U11 girls everyone else i dealt with was excellent no issues what so ever ( reason for 2 stars )
First off the coach said he recruited my daughter to play on the team that wasnt the way i recall that it happened we tried out one night and the second night was supposed to be with another team in Largo which moved to Land o Lakes that was to be our prefered team due to the proximity to our home and it would just have worked better for us ultimately we where left with no other option but to accept the invitation from Celtic despite my friends telling me not
First off the coach said he recruited my daughter to play on the team that wasnt the way i recall that it happened we tried out one night and the second night was supposed to be with another team in Largo which moved to Land o Lakes that was to be our prefered team due to the proximity to our home and it would just have worked better for us ultimately we where left with no other option but to accept the invitation from Celtic despite my friends telling me not
CRXPhil
Oct 19, 2021
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I started here 30 years ago when there was large announcer box atop a metal building and a guy lived in a mobile home on the property. It was Seminole Junior Warhawks back then. The pitch's were bumpy, dead grass kind of like playing on bombing area for the Air force. We all survived and didn't know any better back then. I have great and fond memories. Please never let the complex go.
Natasha Kay
Sep 05, 2021
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I love it! I played last year its was so fun and u make great friends plus ur coaches are just so kind and helpful if ur having troubles just honestly to any parent its amazing!
Ebjr
Mar 17, 2021
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Worst fields Ive seen in a while. They are marked smaller than most. The 11v11 field is a joke with funky lines, warped and bumpy areas all over and sand pits with rocks and shells in the goalie box. One might try and blame covid but theyve been pretty bad for the last three years. The city and club need to step up to better support local sports in their community. The players deserve better!
