About us

Why we run a rescue without a kennel.

AVAC United Youth Sports and Mentoring runs youth basketball leagues, tournaments, camps, and mentorship programs across the Antelope Valley. We are part of AVAC United, a grassroots network of youth basketball chapters in Southern California that share resources, referees, and coaches across seven affiliated programs.

The core of AVAC has been in the Antelope Valley for more than thirty years. What started as pickup games and a determination to give local kids structured basketball has grown into a regional network with seven affiliated chapters across Southern California.

We are a basketball program, but basketball is the vehicle. The destination is mentorship: consistent adults, expectations around school and behavior, and a team culture that values effort over raw talent.

Our coaches are volunteers, many of whom are former AVAC players. Our tournament schedule fills most weekends in season. Parents tell us the program gives their kids structure they were not getting anywhere else.

Leadership and governance

We are governed by a five-member volunteer board that meets quarterly. Day-to-day operations are led by a small paid staff. Full bios and our annual Form 990 are available on request.

Financial transparency

Our most recent audit is available upon request at [email protected]. Over 91% of expenses fund direct animal care. Administrative costs run under 6%; fundraising under 3%.