Young Christians in Action Youth Sports Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The organization is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Its mission is to provide a safe and structured environment for students in grades 2 through 12 to participate in recreational and competitive basketball. The program promotes academic achievement, leadership, and sportsmanship by offering after-school services such as homework assistance, study groups, nutritional education, and basketball skills development. All programs are delivered by volunteers from the local community. Participants are afforded opportunities to compete at local, state, and national levels and are guided toward collegiate athletic and academic scholarships. Since 2009, the program has maintained a 100% high school graduation rate.
- Income
- $46,132
- Spending
- $46,123
- Reserves
- 0 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 94%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $43,332 spent. 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 support. Volunteers serve as role models, teaching ethical behavior, teamwork, and leadership. Partnerships with schools, faith-based organizations, and civic groups expand program access and enhance community impact. Youth participants also engage in community service projects, reinforcing civic responsibility and ethical development. External Recognition and Awards YCAYS has received formal recognition for contributions to youth development. The City of Jacksonville adopted Resolution 2009-719 to honor Coach Tony Bannister and the organization. Coach Tony Bannister is an inductee of the Sunshine Independent Athletic Association Basketball Hall of Fame. YCAYS teams have achieved competitive success in AAU, YBOA, and USSSA tournaments, earning accolades for skill, sportsmanship, and leadership. Local and national media have highlighted the organization's role in fostering academic, athletic, and moral development. Alumni Success and Long-Term Outcomes YCAYS alumni demonstrate the organization's long-term impact. Graduates have earned over 100 athletic scholarships, pursued higher education at NCAA institutions and Military Academies, and achieved professional and civic success. Alumni frequently return as volunteers and mentors, perpetuating the YCAYS mission. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of YCAYS in developing responsible, capable, and ethically grounded adults. Governance and Compliance YCAYS is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and executive leadership. Policies ensure compliance with federal and state laws, IRS regulations, and organizational objectives. Risk management, participant safety, volunteer oversight, and financial accountability are integral to operations. Regular monitoring, audits, and reporting reinforce transparency and public trust. Long-Term Goals and Sustainability YCAYS aims to expand program access, enhance academic and athletic services, strengthen volunteer engagement, and maintain financial sustainability. The organizat
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 1994.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.