GYSA | Greater Youth Sports Association

4th Annual Holiday Ball Drive Celebrates Unprecedented Success

December 11, 2023

Greater Youth Sports Association is thrilled to share the incredible success of the 4th Annual Holiday Ball Drive event, held on Saturday, December 9th, at Phase 1 Elite’s facility in Las Vegas. In collaboration with Las Vegas Sports Relocation and Phase 1 Elite, Greater Youth Sports Association (GYSA) orchestrated a memorable day that saw the collection of a record breaking number of donation balls, all destined to bring joy to foster children throughout Southern Nevada via Fostering Futures of Nevada.

The event was graced by special appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus, former UNLV and current NAU player, Marcus Phillips Jr., the Raiders Bus, and the Tricked Out “Kobe” Car. The festive atmosphere created an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our event sponsor, Gaudin Ford, whose generous support was pivotal to the event’s success. We are equally grateful for the backing of the following businesses and organizations: Southern Nevada Health District, SportRadar, Revere Mechanical, Aruze Gaming, Coronado High School, The Henderson Chamber of Commerce, and the UNLV Sports and Entertainment Law Association at the Boyd School of Law. Special acknowledgment is reserved for Mikey’s Vision, who captured the festivities on film, preserving the joyous moments for posterity.

The 4th Annual Holiday Ball Drive was sponsored by Gaudin Ford.

Members of the community, including GYSA coaches and team members, showed up in full force to express their support. Guests were treated to a delightful spread of tacos and had the chance to win exciting raffle prizes, including a signed ball from Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders and tickets to a Vegas Golden Knights game.

The outpouring of support from the community and our partners has been truly heartwarming. GYSA is immensely thankful to everyone who attended and contributed to making this day a resounding triumph. Stay tuned for future updates as we embark on the next phase of delivering these balls to their new homes, spreading joy and cheer to those who need it most.

GYSA, along with its partners and supporting businesses, collected a record number of donation balls that will be delivered to foster youth across Southern Nevada.

About Greater Youth Sports Association (GYSA)

Greater Youth Sports Association (GYSA) is dedicated to providing positive and enriching sports experiences for youth in the Southern Nevada community. By fostering teamwork, leadership, and character development, GYSA aims to empower young individuals and contribute to the betterment of our community.

For more information, please visit GYSA’s website.

Press Contact

Annalise Lullo

GYSA Co-Founder / Development Director

Annalise@gysanv.org

480-459-7270

News & Press Releases

GYSA’s 4th Annual Holiday Ball Drive Benefits Local Non-Profits

November 28, 2023November 30, 2023

LAS VEGAS, NV — Greater Youth Sports Association (GYSA) is proud to announce its 4th Annual Holiday Ball Drive, scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 9th, from 11 am to 2 pm at Phase 1 Elite, located at 2015 E. Windmill Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89123.

This charitable event aims to collect new youth-sized basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, baseballs, and gloves. All donations will directly support two impactful initiatives: Fostering Futures of Nevada and GYSA’s School Sports Solution program, dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth through sports.

The family-friendly event promises a day of joy and entertainment for attendees of all ages. Highlights include appearances from beloved characters such as Santa, and Mrs. Claus, a kids’ sports course, player appearances, autograph signings, a community raffle, and free tacos for the first 100 donors! Treats and refreshments will be available throughout the event.

Adding excitement to the festivities, the Raiders Bus and Tricked Out “Kobe” Car will be making special appearances. The event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Gaudin Ford, in collaboration with partners Las Vegas Sports Relocation, Phase 1 Elite, and Five Star Moving.

Moreover, several businesses have joined hands to support this noble cause by acting as collection points for the donated balls. The following businesses and institutions are actively participating in the event: SportRadar, Revere Mechanical, Aruze Gaming, Coronado High School, The Henderson Chamber of Commerce, and the UNLV Sports and Entertainment Law Association at the Boyd School of Law.

“We are thrilled to bring the community together for our 4th Annual Holiday Ball Drive. This event not only spreads holiday cheer but also allows us to make a positive impact on the lives of youth in need,” said Annalise Lullo, Development Director and Co-Founder of GYSA.

For more information about the event, including how to get involved, donate, or volunteer, please visit the official event website: greateryouthsportsnv.org/ball-drive.

About Greater Youth Sports Association(GYSA)
Greater Youth Sports Association (GYSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing youth with opportunities to engage in sports, fostering personal development, teamwork, and a love for physical activity. GYSA is committed to creating positive, lasting impacts on the lives of young individuals through sports programs and community engagement.

Media Contact:
Annalise Lullo
GYSA Co-Founder / Development Director
Annalise@gysanv.org
480-459-7270

News & Press Releases

GYSA Hosts Annual Fall Track Meet

November 27, 2023November 28, 2023

North Las Vegas, NV – On Saturday, November 18th, Greater Youth Sports Association (GYSA) successfully hosted its annual Fall Track Meet at the Pearson Community Center in North Las Vegas. The event, a culmination of GYSA’s vibrant track season that commenced in late October, drew the participation of 16 elementary schools, bringing together over 200 enthusiastic students in grades 3rd through 5th.

The Pearson Community Center buzzed with energy as young athletes, donned in vibrant jerseys, showcased their speed and determination in a series of exciting track events. From the electrifying 100M dash to the thrilling 200M dash and the challenging 400M dash, the young participants displayed impressive athleticism and sportsmanship throughout the day.

One of the highlights of the Fall Track Meet was the 4×100 relay, where teams worked together in a display of teamwork and camaraderie. For many of the students, this marked their inaugural foray into the world of track and field, providing a memorable experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

The success of the event was made possible by the dedicated volunteers who generously contributed their time and efforts to ensure the smooth execution of the Fall Track Meet. Their commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for the young athletes contributed significantly to the overall success of the event.

“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s Fall Track Meet,” said Devonte Woodson, GYSA’s Executive Director and Co-Founder. “It’s heartwarming to witness the enthusiasm and determination displayed by these young athletes. The support from our volunteers, schools, and the community played a pivotal role in creating a memorable experience for all participants.”

Greater Youth Sports Association extends its gratitude to the participating elementary schools, dedicated volunteers, and the North Las Vegas community for their unwavering support in making the Fall Track Meet a resounding success.

For more information about GYSA, please visit greateryouthsportsnv.org.

News & Press Releases

GYSA Celebrates MLK Jr. Elementary School’s Basketball Triumph

November 16, 2023

Las Vegas, NV – On November 14th, 2023, Greater Youth Sports Association (GYSA), a prominent non-profit youth sports organization in Southern Nevada, gathered at MLK Jr. Elementary School to host a special school assembly in recognition of the MLK Champions basketball team’s outstanding victory at GYSA’s All City Basketball Tournament on October 28th.

The MLK Champions not only clinched the All City title but also received prestigious trophies and the 2023 All City Champion banner, symbolizing their remarkable achievement on the basketball court. The school and its students were further honored during the assembly with the presence of esteemed guests, including Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, who presented the students with symbolic “keys” to the Las Vegas Strip, Raiders Gear, and certificates.

GYSA Co-Founder, Devonte Woodson (left), poses with Clark County Commissioner, Marilyn Kirkpatrick (right).

The assembly, attended by GYSA staff, Commissioner Kirkpatrick, and the MLK Jr. Elementary School community, provided a joyous platform for the MLK Champions to celebrate their success. Words of encouragement and celebration were shared by the team’s coach, Chris Benizio, along with the student athletes themselves.

Coach Chris Benizio (left), along with MLK Elementary Assistant Principal, Jessica Nuckoles (center), and Principal, Douglas Taylor (right).

Beyond their athletic prowess, the MLK students garnered praise for their exemplary sportsmanship, dedication to completing homework, improved attendance, and more. Greater Youth Sports Association commends the undefeated MLK Champions for their outstanding performance and achievements throughout the year.

In the spirit of fostering youth sports and development, GYSA extends an invitation to elementary schools interested in joining the GYSA School Sports Solution program. For inquiries and further information, please contact info@gysanv.org.

About Greater Youth Sports Association (GYSA):
Greater Youth Sports Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting youth sports and development in Southern Nevada. GYSA provides opportunities for young athletes to engage in organized sports programs that emphasize skill development, teamwork, and character building.

For Media Inquiries, please contact: Annalise Lullo, GYSA Co-Founder / Development Director, at 480-459-7270 or annalise@gysanv.org.

News & Press Releases

Bar Code Burgers Hosts Successful Fundraiser for GYSA

June 14, 2023June 14, 2023

From Left to Right: LV Raider, Jermaine Eluemunor; Bar Code Cody, Owner of Bar Code Burgers; and Kolton Miller, LV Raiders

On June 10^th, 2023 Bar Code Burgers, the ultimate sports restaurant and bar in the heart of Las Vegas, hosted a fundraiser in support of Greater Youth Sports Association. The event was a huge success, bringing together members of the community to raise funds for a great cause.

The highlight of the event was a chicken wing eating contest, featuring special guests Kolton Miller and Jermaine Eluemunor of the Las Vegas Raiders, as well as the host of the Raiders Report, Mitchell Renz. The three contestants faced off in a spicy wing-eating showdown, with bragging rights and the chance to be crowned “Wing King”.

GYSA Founder, Devonte Woodson and Bar Code Cody, Owner of Bar Code Burgers

The event was attended by residents, business owners, and of course lots of Raider’s fans, all coming together to support GYSA and watch the epic showdown. GYSA’s School Sports Solution^TM program provides opportunities for at-risk, elementary-age youth to participate in afterschool youth development programming centered around a variety of sports, all promoting health, wellness, and future success.

GYSA was honored to have this event presented in their name and for their cause. “It’s been incredible to see the collaboration between Bar Code Burgers, the Raiders, the Raiders Report and the Blackout Division all in the name of GYSA and its programming,” said GYSA Founder, Devonte Woodson. “We were pumped to see so many people come out to support the Greater Youth Sports Association and have some fun watching our special guests get down on some wings.”

Overall, the fundraiser was a huge success, raising thousands of dollars for the GYSA and bringing the community together for a fun and worthwhile cause. At the end of the day, Mitchell Renz walked away the new “Wing King”, but everyone involved is a winner for showing up for GYSA and our youth.

News & Press Releases

1,500+ Attendees Expected at 2023 GYSA Character and Awards…

April 6, 2023

Greater Youth Sports Association (GYSA) a 501(c)(3) non-profit, serving at-risk elementary-age youth in Southern Nevada will host their Annual Character and Awards Night on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. This year’s event is in partnership with the Police Athletic League of Henderson (PAL) and will take place at the Dollar Loan Center. This one-of-a-kind event honors the students who participated in the GYSA School Sports Solution Program and brings together professional athletes, community leaders and high-level role models.

Oftentimes due to the lack of resources and access in our communities, at-risk children are not directly exposed to successful leaders and mentors, thus making it difficult for them to envision themselves taking a similar path. The main goal of this event is to place success within arms reach of our children and also leave them with tangible skills, methods and processes to help them succeed.

In addition to receiving awards for their hard work, students and their families will hear from professional athletes and community leaders about building a vision and achieving their goals. The MC for this year’s event will be none other than Bryan Salmond, the main sports anchor for the KSNV News Team. Other speakers for the evening will include members from the UNLV Women’s Soccer Team and Men’s Football Team, along with former NFL Player, Mark McMillian to name a few.

The event will include performances from a GYSA Cheer Squad as well as the Keller Middle School award winning Mariachi Alas Doradas. The Vendor Fair preceding the event is anticipated to include appearances from the Vegas Golden Knights mascot, Chance, members of the Las Vegas Desert Dogs Lacrosse Team, and representatives from the NFL Alumni Association.

“Character and Awards Night is not only about celebrating our athletes, but also about pouring into them a sense of excitement about their futures and what they can achieve, as well as teaching them important lessons that they can carry with them throughout their lives, both on the field or court and off,” says Annalise Lullo, Co-Founder of GYSA.
GYSA is expecting 1,500+ attendees at this year’s event, making it the largest youth development event in Southern Nevada!

About GYSA: GYSA, which was founded in 2018, has accomplished much over its short life. The organization’s Founders believe that cost should never be the reason a child does not participate in sports. Sadly, this is the reality for 7 out of 10 low-income students across the nation. Over the last several years GYSA has grown its program through 30 local elementary schools, been named as NYSS Champion by the ODPHP and the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, and have provided thousands of at-risk children with afterschool sports programming, educational support, character development, and social emotional support.

News & Press Releases

GYSA Collects 1,600 Balls at 3rd Annual Holiday Ball…

February 23, 2023

Greater Youth Sports Association (GYSA) a 501(c)(3) non-profit, serving at-risk elementary-age youth in Southern Nevada hosted their 3^rd Annual Holiday Ball Drive on December 17^th, 2022. In addition to being a fun, family-friendly holiday event, this fundraiser collected sports balls for at-risk and fostered youth while raising funds for GYSA’s afterschool sports and character development program, the School Sports Solution.

The event launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a contactless ball drive to collect youth-sized sports balls for at-risk children while they were stuck at home. In its first year the event was a success and collected hundreds of balls that were distributed before the Christmas holiday.

The event has since grown exponentially thanks to community support and partnerships. During the 2021 Holiday Ball Drive, community partner, Las Vegas Sports Realtors, in collaboration with UNLV Football player, Marcus Phillips Jr., pledged to donate 100 balls. This contribution along with support of the local community and Las Vegas entrepreneurs Phase 1 Sports, Legends N Making, and ElevateNowBrands, helped GYSA collect nearly 600 balls.

This year GYSA returned in partnership with Las Vegas Sports Realtors and a goal of collecting 2,000 balls. The event was hosted at the new Phase 1 Elite training facility and included: a Kids Sports Combine Course, Raffle Prizes from vendors such as Lulelemon, Raising Cane’s and more, Free Tacos, UNLV Football Player Appearances, Autograph Signings, Raiders Fan Bus, and the Rebel Den Pop Up Shop.

Community partners for the 3^rd Annual Holiday Ball Drive included Las Vegas Sports Realtors, Gaudin Ford, Phase 1 Elite, Highlands Residential Mortgage, and New York Life.

GYSA is proud to have collected nearly 1,600 balls that were distributed to fostered youth across Nevada.

The event also raised close to $8,000 in funds for our School Sports Solution program which provides afterschool sports programming, social emotional support, character development and academic support to at-risk children in our community.

ABOUT GYSA: GYSA, which was founded in 2018, has accomplished much over its short life. The organization’s Founders believe that cost should never be the reason a child does not participate in sports. Sadly, this is the reality for 7 out of 10 low-income students across the nation. Over the last several years GYSA has grown its program through 30 local elementary schools, been named an NYSS Champion by the ODPHP and the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, and have provided thousands of at-risk children with afterschool sports programming, educational support, character development, and social emotional support.

News & Press Releases

XFL Vegas Vipers Impacts Local Flag Football Program

February 9, 2023February 9, 2023

Greater Youth Sports Association’s (GYSA) Flag Football team at Cunningham Elementary got an exciting visit from the Las Vegas XFL team the Vegas Vipers this week. Students got the opportunity to spend time with the players and learn new skills and information. Players led the students through various drills to reinforce and build upon the skills they have been learning throughout the GYSA Flag Football Season. The players also shared with students the importance of working hard, paying attention in school, being kind, showing respect, setting goals, and why you shouldn’t shy away from failure.

The Vegas Vipers are the newest professional sports team in Nevada, joining the Raiders, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Las Vegas Aces. The Vipers, who kick off games in February of 2023, announced their new home at Cashman Field.

GYSA’s School Sports Solution program is an after-school, elementary sports program that provides 1st through 5th grade children competitive and recreational sports opportunities blended with education and character development. GYSA is incredibly thankful to the Vegas Vipers for coming out and supporting our mission of leveraging our three core values of Sports, Education, and Character to create an environment for our youth that fosters growth, development and success.

Click here to see highlights from the visit!

GYSA Blog

Dropping Physical Activity Levels During Summer & How GYSA…

July 27, 2022July 27, 2022

Summer Break is often the period of time that students look forward to most – NO SCHOOL! However, while it is important for our children to rest and be kids there are some underlying health issues that may occur.

We know that regular physical activity reduces the health risk of childhood obesity as well as mental health problems. And throughout the school year students have the opportunity to achieve much needed levels of physical activity through recess, P.E. class, and afterschool physical activity programs like GYSA’s School Sports Solution™.

But, what happens during Summer Break?

For starters, many children experience “Summer Learning Loss”, which is the loss of academic skills and knowledge over the course of summer vacation. It has also been observed that students show increased sedentary behavior during the Summer holiday in addition to increased screen time, poorer diet regimens and worse sleep quality. Overall, it seems important to continue child engagement over the Summer for both physical and mental health purposes.

For many children however, the opportunities to participate in physical activity is extremely limited due to transportation issues, costs, and lack of programming. A study found that during summer holidays overall moderate physical activity decreases by 53%.

Additionally, children from low-income households find themselves with less opportunity due to lack of programming or high-cost programming that is out of their reach.

At GYSA our mission is to ensure all children can improve their physical and mental health through sports programming.

This Summer GYSA launched its very first Summer Youth Sports program which provided 1-month of programming and concluded with an end of season Game Day event. Enrolled students had the opportunity to play soccer or basketball and also received program t-shirts, weekly skills and drills practice and games twice per week at each 90 minute session.

The rosters for each sport maxed out with 90+ students enrolled! The need was there and GYSA was happy to help fill it, even if only on a small scale!

It is important we continue to provide these services to our children and ensure that no matter their background they have the opportunity to live a fuller healthier life, and still enjoy their Summer Vacation.

Reference: National Library of Medicine

News & Press Releases

USING SPORTS TO INCREASE ACADEMIC OUTCOMES FOR ELEMENTARY YOUTH

May 14, 2021May 14, 2021

Elementary schools are in a great position to bring afterschool programming that breaks the inequities of youth sports, while also increasing academic achievement for our youth.

As we navigate the murky waters of distance education across the nation, many children have lost what they needed most: The opportunity to stay active playing team sports with friends and having a positive community that supports their growth and development. Many children have seen these opportunities taken away due to safety concerns of the current health crisis. However, as our nation moves towards reopening schools and “catching students up” academically, the need for extracurricular and sports opportunities will be critical for our most disadvantaged youth.

INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY

“This sports program changed my child’s life,” are reactions and testimonies often heard said from parents to our program staff. The Greater Youth Sports Association (GYSA) provides elementary schools a positive youth development afterschool program that leverages sports to teach every child the importance of education, social emotional skills and character. While the kids love the aspect of being able to engage in school-based sports—wearing uniforms and having fun with their friends—they’re also developing and growing their critical skills that last a lifetime.

In a year where sports were cancelled, GYSA created a virtual sports program that provided every child a ball and a plan to stay active and play the sport they love, even from home. Keeping sports accessible for all children is the number one goal. GYSA is very intentional in its program curriculum, focusing on developing the life skills that translate to academic and future success.

INCREASING DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS

Regular participation in physical activity and higher levels of physical fitness have been linked to improved academic performance. Coming off a year (and possibly more) of distance education with sedentary life changes at an early age could lead to devastating health issues. Increases in screen time and decreases in daily physical activity levels could cause more children to fall into overweight/obese categories. Prior to the pandemic, one in three kids in the U.S. were overweight or obese. Because children spend so much time at school, schools have a unique opportunity to help children become healthier and more active. GYSA’s afterschool sports program allows children to receive up to 240 more minutes of physical activity during the school week.

IMPROVED SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SKILLS

Research has demonstrated the significant role of SEL in promoting healthy student development and academic achievement. The GYSA sports program delivers weekly SEL lessons to participating students focusing on areas such as self-management, responsible decision-making, self-awareness and relationship skills. These lessons are taught during hands-on lessons and experienced in a team sport environment with the coach as the mentor. Students not only learn sports skills but also the more important life skills that set a foundation for academic achievement.

With programming operating in two different states and positive year over year growth, GYSA is on pace to achieving its grand goal of impacting 100,000 children each year. The need for accessible sport opportunities have never been greater. 70% of low-income children never play a sport, primarily due to the costs. Accessibility has become a serious issue impacting equity in youth sports, and the benefits are too great to let these inequities continue. More school-based solutions need to be provided at the elementary level to ensure a successful future for our youth. Sports have a unique ability to engage and develop our children into healthy productive leaders of tomorrow.

https://naaweb.org/professional-development/item/1512-using-sports-to-increase-academic-outcomes-for-elementary-youth

Devonte Woodson M.Ed., is a graduate of Washington State University and Founder of Greater Youth Sports Association. Woodson is also an NAA Executive member and a 2021 NAA Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders Honoree.