Young Christians in Action Youth Sports Inc

What it reported doing in 2025

Young Christians in Action Youth Sports, Inc. (YCAYS) is a nonprofit organization organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, and religious purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Founded in 1994 by Coach Tony Bannister, YCAYS provides a safe, structured environment for youth in grades 2 through 12 to develop academically, athletically, morally, and socially through basketball and related programs. The organization integrates Godly principles into all activities, emphasizing leadership, sportsmanship, moral integrity, and community engagement. Mission and Purpose YCAYS has a mission to teach and inspire youth using Godly principles while fostering academic achievement, athletic skill, moral values, and social development. Through participation in recreational and competitive basketball, youth develop discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership abilities. The organization provides after-school services, including homework assistance, tutoring, study groups, and nutrition education, ensuring that youth balance academic pursuits with athletic participation. Programs are delivered entirely by community volunteers who serve as mentors, coaches, and role models, fostering intergenerational guidance and support. History of the Organization Coach Tony Bannister founded YCAYS in 1994 while working with the City of Melbourne, Florida, coaching and mentoring children at a local community center. Recognizing the need for structured youth programs that integrate athletic training with moral guidance, Coach Bannister envisioned an organization that would teach Christ-centered values while preparing youth for academic and athletic success. YCAYS expanded to Jacksonville, Florida, providing additional opportunities for youth to participate in competitive basketball and access academic support services. The organization established girls and boys competitive basketball teams competing at local, state, regional, and national levels, including AAU, YBOA, and USSSA tournaments. In 2009, the City of Jacksonville adopted Resolution 2009-719, formally honoring Coach Tony Bannister and YCAYS for achievements, particularly in the Jacksonville Lady Rams program. Since 2010, the girls basketball program has maintained a 100 percent high school graduation rate, with over 100 participants receiving scholarships to NCAA Division I, II, III colleges, and United States Military Academies. Programs and Services YCAYS provides programs that address academic, athletic, and personal development. Academic services include tutoring, homework assistance, study groups, and college readiness workshops. Athletic programs focus on basketball fundamentals, skills development, and competitive play at various levels. Participants gain exposure to tournaments and competitions, enhancing resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills. Character and leadership development are integrated into all programs, incorporating mentorship, ethics workshops, and community service initiatives. Health and nutritional education complement athletic training, promoting holistic youth development. The organization's volunteer-driven model ensures mentorship and guidance while fostering community engagement and civic responsibility among youth. Impact and Achievements YCAYS has achieved measurable outcomes in academics, athletics, and moral development. The girls basketball program has maintained a 100 percent high school graduation rate since 2010. Over 100 participants have earned athletic scholarships to NCAA institutions and United States Military Academies. Teams regularly compete and excel at local, state, regional, and national levels. The organization emphasizes moral integrity, leadership, and sportsmanship, preparing youth to succeed in education, athletics, and community service. Community Engagement and Volunteerism YCAYS programs are entirely volunteer-led, leveraging local expertise to provide coaching, mentorship, and academic sup

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 93.9%; rating input score 94
• Program expense ratio: 93.9%; rating input score 94

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 51st percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 0%; rating input score 44; 44th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0; rating input score 6; 6th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0; rating input score 66; 66th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 56; 56th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: -3.5% per year; rating input score 0; 39th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: -3% per year; rating input score 0; 39th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 18.8% per year; rating input score 100; 83rd percentile among comparable filings