Florida club soccer has undergone a facelift that will dramatically change the competitive landscape of the region.

The Clearwater Chargers and Fusion FC are set to merge and become Chargers Soccer Club, a development that will be effective next season with tryouts set for the end of May.

It’s an announcement that will have an impact on players in the Tampa Bay region with programs and fields in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee counties. 

It’s a bold and ambitious move that the new club hopes can lead to greater opportunities for its players – including admission into the ECNL. The Clearwater Chargers, who do have Development Academy teams on the boy’s side, have previously applied for the ECNL and with their newfound momentum it could be just a matter of time before they find inclusion as Chargers Soccer Club.

Back in March, the Chargers became the tenant of a brand new 200-acre sports complex in Lakewood Ranch and they have continued their expansion by now partnering with another historic Florida club in Fusion FC.

“The philosophies of the clubs are so similar, we felt it was a good fit and a good time,” said club president Rob O’Nan. “Even though we are adding to our club we want to keep a local flavor. We’ll have three major sites now but we’re putting together some strong people that will be able to carry on the philosophy and make sure each site receives the same quality.”

The merger will bring together 80-90 competitive teams and three recreational programs that include 2,500 players. 

Current standouts from this group include: Jesse Caron, David Gray, Logan Reger, Loren Whitaker and Melinda Lukas. 

O’Nan has said that the new club will do everything in its power to retain coaches and staff from previous teams.