FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Peter Poon Kwong, poonkwong@bgcsctn.org
Academy Sports + Outdoors Celebrates Columbia Store Grand Opening with Shopping Sprees for 22 Boys & Girls Clubs Kids
Club kid from South Central Tennessee beams with his fresh new shoes from Academy Sports + Outdoors
Columbia, TN — October 23, 2025 — The energy was high and the smiles even higher as 22 kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN) rolled through the aisles of the brand-new Academy Sports + Outdoors store in Columbia for a shopping spree they won’t soon forget.
Club members stop for a quick photo opportunity
In celebration of its grand opening in Columbia, Academy invited kids from each of BGCSCTN’s four sites—Columbia, Mt. Pleasant, Pulaski, and Spring Hill—to gear up with more than $200 each in store credit. From new sneakers and hoodies to sports gear and bikes, the experience was much more than just what the kids chose to purchase. It was about a feeling of excitement, empowerment, and making smart shopping choices.
The youth, selected by Club Directors based on need and leadership, ranged from kindergartners to high school teens. Some carefully picked out items for siblings. Others headed straight for the athletic section, picking up cleats and equipment to support their goals on the field. One even rolled out beaming with a brand-new skateboard.
Proud moment for this Wayne Street Club member as he chooses his brand-new skateboard
But it wasn’t just what they took home—it was how they felt doing it. Academy staff greeted each family with warmth and went out of their way to make the moment meaningful, from helping kids find the perfect fit to cheering them on at checkout.
“I can’t thank Academy enough—not just for giving these kids the opportunity, but for making them feel truly special throughout the entire experience.” Said Christian Wyatt, Area North Director for BGCSCTN.
Club member shows off all the goodies she was able to purchase
Persephone Brown, Teen Center Coordinator, shared the impact this experience had on the Club members she works with every day.
“It impacted the teens so much, especially the high schoolers. This opportunity really let them get the gear they need to improve in the sports they are dedicated to and love to play. Some even got jackets they may need for the colder weather coming up.
Brown reflected on a touching moment between herself and a Club parent:
“One of the parents gave me a huge hug and said how thankful she was for this opportunity for her son. Times are tough right now, so any little bit helps for our Club families that need it most. The experience made me so happy and excited to see all the Club kids and parents smiling and truly thankful for the opportunity. I think everyone was smiling from ear to ear that evening- you could just feel the happiness and love in the air.”
Cheer Squad spirit on full display as this Club teen and parent duo strike a pose after their big shopping trip
“Seeing the kids from Spring Hill’s faces light up when they learned about the shopping spree is a memory I’ll always hold dear. These are kids who work hard and strive to be leaders in their schools.” said Christian Wyatt, Area North Director for BGCSCTN. “This goes beyond sports—it’s about giving young people the confidence to aim high, knowing their community is behind them.”
Pulaski Club Director Kiane Taylor stops for a photo with a Club family during their shopping adventure
In addition to the shopping experience, Academy Sports + Outdoors also donated a $1,000 gift card to BGCSCTN to help meet ongoing program needs—part of a larger $5,000 charitable commitment tied to each new store opening across the country.
“At Academy Sports + Outdoors, we’re proud to deepen our commitment to Columbia by expanding access to affordable, high-quality gear for families and local youth.” said Shumi Salauddin, Store Director at Academy Sports + Outdoors, Columbia. “Whether it’s through our wide selection of top brands at everyday low prices or our community-focused donations and charitable initiatives, we’re here to support active lifestyles and youth development – making it easier for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and stay engaged in sports.”
The Columbia location, which opened on Oct. 20, is Academy’s first store to feature a dedicated Kids Shop—offering one-stop shopping for clothing, footwear, and back-to-school needs in one section of the store.
As Academy Sports + Outdoors settles into the heart of Columbia, its investment in local youth and families is already making a difference, and this shopping spree is just the beginning.
About Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy is a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to more than 300 stores across 21 states and counting. Academy’s mission is to provide “Fun for All” and Academy fulfills this mission with a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that strongly connects with a broad range of consumers. Academy’s product assortment focuses on key categories of outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation and footwear through both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands. For more information, visit www.academy.com.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
The vision of Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to provide a world-class Club Experience that ensures success is within reach for every young person who enters our doors. Founded in 1999, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee serves more than 1,700 youth annually across three Clubhouse sites and eleven school-based locations. In partnership with Maury County Public Schools since 2016, the Club has expanded its reach to provide vital services to children and families throughout the region.
For more information, please visit Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
