WHO IS THE
SKILLS CENTER?
We are a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization and our full focus is on creating academic & leadership success through the power of sports.
FOUNDERS
John Arroyo
Celeste Roberts
Chris Ward
LEADERSHIP
Celeste Roberts – President & CEO
Chris Ward – Chief of Partnerships
Rolanda McDuffie – Chief Finance Officer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Natalie Godwin
AVP, External Commnications
Unum
Gary Hartfield
President
Serenity Village Inc.
Ty Mathen
President
Tymathen.com
Racy Morgan
Managing Director,
PO Strategy & Innovation
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Scott Morrison
Senior Director, Business Development
United Way Suncoast
Brett Patterson
President
Outback Steakhouse
Kevin Smith
CEO
OnPoint Sports Strategies
Jennifer Davila
Owner
All About Title, LLC
Krys Patterson
Vice President l Business Banking Relationship Manager
Fifth Third Bank
Joselynne Walden Forde
CEO
The J. Forde Experience
Meredith Freeman
Attorney (Partner)
Shutts & Bowen LLP
Brittany Iwuagwu
Senior Digital Product Manager
Wells Fargo
THE SKILLS CENTER AT A GLANCE
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.
CORE VALUES
- To operate with a high quality of excellence
- To serve with honesty & integrity
- To create win–win partnerships within the community
- To support a family-oriented environment and programs
- To provide inclusive services to all young people
- To build a high performing team
MISSION
Intentionally utilize athletics as the mechanism to create change through academic success, life skills, mentoring and health for young people ages 3-18 in Tampa.VISION
Our youth have positive education outcomes that lead to economic prospects and life options. The Skills Center provides school based and community- based programs that motivate youth to learn, change behavior and succeed in school. Focusing on developing core competencies through academic instruction and character education, our services promote positive youth development to elementary, middle and high school students through school day and out of school time programs.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
- We believe with caring adults, sports offer young people the skills and knowledge they need to function effectively in life.
- We give our youth the right environment that brings out the best in them and give us the opportunity to coach them for life.
- We believe that the long-term benefits of participation in sports with an intentional focus can lead to a lifetime of physical activity, social competencies, improved health and enhanced skills set.
CANTIA, TSC ALUMNI
"The Skills Center has taught me life learning skills and helped me to do better in math."
"I wanted to let you know how pleased we were with the Basketball Camp last week. My daughter had a great time and certainly improved her skills, confidence and passion for the game. I don’t have enough superlatives to share how impressed we were with your coaches."
"I am impressed with the summer sports program offered by Chris Ward with the Skills Center held at Shields Middle School. I witnessed young boys show up every day for the Skills Center program eager, not only to play basketball or soccer, but to soak up the words of wisdom and advice Chris Ward had to offer them. This is a life changing opportunity for students."
