Georgia Council of Youth Sports · Est. 501(c)(3)

Changing Lives
Through Sports

Empowering youth aged 10–18 facing mental health challenges and criminal backgrounds through sports, mentorship, and life skills — giving every young person a second chance to build a better tomorrow.

Get Involved Our Programs
10–18
Youth We Serve
500+
Youth in 5 Years
4
Metro Atlanta Counties
3
Sports Leagues

A Second Chance
To Succeed

The Georgia Council of Youth Sports, Inc. (GCoYS) is dedicated to empowering youth aged 10–18 who face mental health challenges and criminal backgrounds by providing a supportive, second-chance redemption program through sports, mentorship, and life skills development.


We believe in the power of teamwork, discipline, and compassion to break cycles, restore hope, and create a path to a better tomorrow.


To build a generation of confident, resilient, and purpose-driven leaders who thrive in their communities, careers, and personal lives.

GCoYS Emblem

More Than a Program.
A Pathway to Purpose.

Georgia Council of Youth Sports (GCOYS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the Atlanta metro area, committed to transforming the lives of youth and young adults ages 10–21 through sports, mentorship, and opportunity.

We exist for the young people who are often overlooked — those navigating limited resources, academic challenges, or difficult environments. At GCOYS, we don't just provide programs — we create structured pathways that lead to real outcomes.

Because we believe every young person deserves more than a chance…
They deserve a system designed for their success.

Our Core Programs

Four pillars that equip young people with the tools, community, and confidence to build successful, independent lives.

🏈

Youth Sports Development

Flag football, soccer, and basketball leagues teaching teamwork, discipline, and physical wellness. Seasonal clinics, camps, and tournaments for all skill levels.

🤝

Mentorship & Behavioral Support

One-on-one and group mentorship pairing youth with adult role models who provide guidance, emotional resilience training, and peer leadership development.

📚

Education & Life Skills

GED prep, vocational training, career readiness, resume building, interview coaching, and workshops on conflict resolution, financial literacy, and personal growth.

🌱

Community Engagement

Food and clothing drives, volunteer service projects, and community initiatives that empower participants to give back and strengthen their neighborhoods.

Everything We Provide

🏟️ Sports Leagues & Clinics

  • Organized flag football, soccer, and basketball leagues
  • Seasonal sports clinics and training camps
  • Competitive and recreational tournaments
  • Physical fitness and self-esteem building activities

👥 Mentorship Programs

  • One-on-one adult mentor pairings
  • Group mentorship and peer support sessions
  • Emotional resilience and confidence coaching
  • Goal-setting and future planning support

🎓 Education & Career Readiness

  • GED preparation and educational workshops
  • Study skills, time management, and tutoring
  • Vocational training and job placement support
  • Resume building and interview preparation

💡 Life Skills Workshops

  • Conflict resolution strategies
  • Financial literacy and money management
  • Emotional regulation and personal development
  • Community volunteer and service projects

Transforming
Metro Atlanta

GCoYS is building toward a future where every at-risk youth in metro Atlanta has access to the tools and community they need to thrive.

🎯

Serve 500+ youth within the next five years, providing tools and opportunities to break the cycle of incarceration.

📍

Expand to rural counties surrounding metro Atlanta, increasing access to mental health services, education, and career opportunities.

🤲

Grow community partnerships with juvenile courts, schools, and businesses to ensure sustainable, comprehensive support for youth.

🏛️

Secure a community wellness center to serve as the primary hub for all programs, sports, mentorship, and services.

Partnerships & Collaborations

Our County Partners

GCoYS works closely with juvenile court systems in four metro Atlanta counties to offer at-risk youth alternatives to detention and pathways to reintegration.

Fulton County
Clayton County
DeKalb County
Henry County
Juvenile Courts Metro Atlanta juvenile court systems offering alternatives to detention for court-involved youth.
Local Schools & Colleges High schools and universities providing career readiness, college prep, and service opportunities.
Nonprofit Organizations Community centers, mental health organizations, and workforce development agencies across Atlanta.

Community
Sports & Wellness Center

GCoYS is working toward securing a dedicated community hub — a space where youth can gather, grow, compete, learn, and access essential services all under one roof.

🏟️ Indoor and outdoor sports facilities for flag football, soccer, basketball, and recreation
🏫 Classroom and workshop space for GED prep, vocational training, and life skills
💬 Mentorship and counseling rooms for one-on-one sessions with mentors and behavioral specialists
🤝 Community gathering spaces for events, relationship building, and accessing essential services
Join Us

Get Involved

This work takes a village — and there's a place for you in it.

Whether you're looking to mentor, partner, sponsor, or support, your involvement helps us expand opportunities and change lives.

Together, we're building something bigger than sports. We're building futures.

🙋

Volunteer

Join our team as a mentor, coach, or volunteer. Give your time and expertise to help youth build confidence, skills, and futures in your community.

Volunteer Now
💛

Donate

Your financial support keeps our programs free for youth who need them most. Every dollar funds sports leagues, mentorship, education, and community service.

Make a Donation
🏢

Partner With Us

If your organization wants to make a positive difference in youth lives, we welcome collaboration to expand our reach, impact, and programs across Georgia.

Become a Partner

The GCOYS Difference

Most programs focus on participation. We focus on transformation.

Our model combines athletics with real-life development — bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. Every young person who enters GCOYS is supported through a system designed to guide them from where they are… to where they're capable of going.

We don't just ask, "Can you play?"
We ask, "Who can you become?"

Contact GCoYS

Ready to get involved, donate, or learn more about our programs? We'd love to hear from you.

👤
Michael M. Smoak
CEO & Founder, GCoYS
📍
6740 HWY 85, Ste. 6
Riverdale, GA 30276

Send Us a Message