At Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports, we believe that basketball is more than just a sport; it's a journey of growth, passion, and the promise of fulfilling dreams. Our story began in 2022 with a heartfelt promise made by our founder, Greg Williams, to his beloved mother just before she passed away. Fueled by love and determination, Greg embarked on a mission to create a basketball club that would leave a lasting impact on young lives in our community.

The inspiration behind our name, 'Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports,' represents the heart and soul of our basketball club. 'Cen' symbolizes the dual essence of our values – the central core of our principles, emphasizing the importance of unity, respect, and teamwork, and also paying homage to the Central Valley, where it all started. 'Cal' stands for California, where we proudly call home, and where we strive to make a significant positive impact on the lives of our young athletes and within the community. The term 'Drive' not only embodies the relentless pursuit of excellence and the dedication we have to honing our basketball skills but also pays tribute to the driveways – those humble beginnings where most kids take their first steps onto the basketball court. We recognize that a driveway is not just a patch of pavement; it's a starting point for dreams, where the love for the game is nurtured, and future basketball stars begin their incredible journeys.

At the heart of Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports lies the story of Greg's son, Cash. A spirited and passionate young athlete, Cash's love for basketball inspired his father to take action and build this club from the ground up. Greg made a promise to his mother, Cash's grandmother, that he would create a space where Cash and other kids from the Merced community could flourish, learn, and thrive through basketball.

Driven by the desire to keep his promise alive, Greg turned Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports into a business, not merely for financial gain but to be able to personally coach and mentor young athletes from the very community he cherishes. This dedication to giving back and shaping young lives makes Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports a place like no other.

Here at Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports, we foster an inclusive and supportive environment, welcoming young athletes of all skill levels to join our basketball family. Our coaching staff, led by Greg Williams himself, brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a genuine passion for the game. We strive to instill not just basketball skills but life skills—teaching discipline, perseverance, and self-belief—to empower our players both on and off the court.

Every dribble, every shot, and every victory at Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports echoes the love, commitment, and promise that started it all. We are more than just a basketball club; we are a family bound together by the promise to make a difference in the lives of young athletes, just as Greg did for his son, Cash.

How You Can Help

Your generous support can make a tremendous difference in the lives of our young athletes. By contributing to our 2024 Annual Giving Campaign, you help us provide the resources necessary to keep our promise and support our community. Here are the tiers of support and how your donation can make an impact:

$1,000 - Champion's Circle
- Description: Your donation at this level will fully cover the costs for a dedicated young athlete's comprehensive training for an entire season. This includes personalized coaching, advanced skill development sessions, tournament entry fees, and necessary travel expenses. By sponsoring an athlete, you provide the opportunity for them to reach their full potential and pursue their basketball dreams.

$500 - Court Builder
- Description: Contributing at this level allows us to maintain and upgrade our training facilities. Your support helps ensure that our athletes have access to safe, well-equipped, and modern courts. Improved facilities enhance the overall training experience and safety for all participants.

$250 - Skill Enhancer
- Description: Your donation will fund specialized skill clinics designed to elevate the abilities of our young athletes. These clinics focus on various aspects of basketball, including shooting, dribbling, defense, and teamwork. Professional coaches and trainers lead these sessions, providing expert guidance and personalized attention to help each player improve their game. Your support enables us to offer these clinics regularly, benefiting a wide range of participants.

$100 - Coach’s Corner
- Description: This contribution level supports the ongoing education and training of our coaching staff. Quality coaching is vital to the success of our athletes, and your donation helps us provide our coaches with access to advanced training programs, workshops, and certifications. Enhanced coaching skills directly translate to better instruction and mentorship for our young players, fostering their growth both on and off the court.

$50 - Uniform Provider
- Description: Your donation helps cover the cost of uniforms for our players. Uniforms are more than just attire; they instill a sense of pride, belonging, and team unity. By contributing to this fund, you ensure that every player, regardless of their financial situation, can wear the Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports colors with pride. This level of support also includes practice jerseys and essential gear

$25 - Supporter Level
- Description: Every contribution counts, and at this level, your donation helps us purchase essential training equipment such as basketballs, cones, agility ladders, and more. These tools are fundamental to our daily practices and training sessions, enabling our athletes to hone their skills effectively. Your support ensures that we have the necessary resources to provide high-quality training experiences.

Join us on this heartwarming journey of growth, community, and basketball excellence. Let's drive together towards a brighter future, one bounce at a time.

Welcome to Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports - Where Promises Become Legends.

Join the Drive: Support Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports

By Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports

Join the Drive: Support Cen Cal Drive Youth Sports

Help Us Keep the Dream Alive