THE SKILLS CENTER BELIEVES IN
LEADERSHIP.
EDUCATION.
EXCELLENCE.
DISCIPLINE.
The Skills Center is a sports based youth development organization. We promote sports intentionally infused with life skills and academics. We pursue a purposeful development of young minds from ages 3 to 18.
Using sports as a powerful learning tool, The Skills Center teaches youth how to transfer the skills learned naturally through sports and apply them to other environments in their lives such as school, work and community. Created in 2007 by John Arroyo, Celeste Roberts and Chris Ward is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit sport- based youth development organization.
The energy from our 6th Annual SNKR Ball was unmatched—thank you for showing up for Tampa Bay youth! We’re already preparing for the 7th Annual SNKR Ball on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Save the date and get the latest updates and event details at the link below.
Get Involved!
The Collaborative
Enroll your student in The Skills Center Collaborative, where a network of organizations unites to provide diverse programs designed to empower and educate our youth, young adults and families. *FREE AFTERSCHOOL AND LIMITED SATURDAY ACTIVITIES includes Field Trips/College Tours, College & Career Tours, Visual & Creative Arts, Sports, Gaming/ESports, Coding, Job Development, Personal Academic Support.
Sports Training
The Skills Center offers diverse sports training programs, including volleyball, VertiMax training, and more, with an intentional focus on supporting and empowering girls in sports. Our programs create opportunities for all youth to thrive.
Basketball
Discover The Skills Center's basketball programs, where students build athletic skills, teamwork, and confidence on and off the court.
Upcoming Events
Don’t miss The Skills Center’s exciting upcoming events, including the 7th Annual SNKR Ball on March 7, 2026! Become a sponsor and join us in empowering you and sustaining success. Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to make a difference!
Our Partners
The Skills Center thrives thanks to the incredible support of our partners, sponsors, and volunteers who make our mission possible. Your donations and volunteer efforts help empower youth and build stronger communities. Join us in making a difference—every contribution counts!
Rent Our Space
Host your next gala, company event, or workshop at The Skills Center! Our versatile space is perfect for creating memorable experiences, with ample room and amenities to accommodate your needs. Book today and bring your vision to life!
Success Stories
You have the power to transform the lives of tomorrow's youth...
Marquav’is Hamilton joined The Skills Center in 2010 at age 10, starting with the Junior Magic League. “The Skills Center helped me build my self-esteem and confidence,” he recalls. “It became a place where I could develop my social skills, grow as a leader, and progress as an athlete.”
It wasn’t just The Skills Center that shaped him. Around the same time, Marquav’is became involved with Men of Vision, a Collaborative partner organization of The Skills Center focused on developing young men into leaders. Together, these experiences played a pivotal role in his development.
Like all young participants at The Skills Center, Marquav’is learned to think long- term, setting goals and identifying the steps he would need to achieve them. With support from coaches, peers, and mentors, he began his journey toward success— one step at a time. READ MORE
Scholarship Success Spotlight: Jacob Robinson
Jacob Robinson Scholarship Success Spotlight | Age: 13 Jacob Robinson was awarded a Two-Year Florida Prepaid Scholarship to attend any college or university in the state.
Middle School Summer Spotlight: Lauryn Seels
Lauryn Seels Age: 13 | Grade: 8th | Year: 1 Middle School Summer Spotlight: Lauryn Seels Lauryn made her first summer at the Collab unforgettable. She
High School Summer Spotlight: Jayden Jean-Baptiste
Jayden Jean-Baptiste Age: 15 | Grade: 10th | Years: 2 Jayden returned for his second year and quickly stood out for his enthusiasm and leadership. One
