Trying to raise money for my youth team

Christian Youth Basketball League 
What is it?
The CYBL (Christian Youth Basketball League) is a high school basketball league for young men ages 14-18 in the Los Angeles area. Games are once a week on Saturdays and teams have scheduled practices once a week. There are 10 games for regular season, playoffs, and a championship game. The games are held at the Los Angeles Dream Center Gym. Currently there are 6 teams that actively participate in the league, but we are looking to expand to 10 teams this coming season. 
Our Mission
Ultimately our mission is to use basketball as a tool to influence young men to make better lifestyle choices by building godly character, imposing discipline, and surrounding them with positive role models. The structure of a basketball team creates an opportunity for teamwork, good work ethic, discipline, and accountability. Giving these young men a positive outlet will steer them away from gangs, drugs, alcohol, vandalism, etc. It is our hope that each player in the CYBL would learn to become men of honor, integrity, discipline, with an end result of coming to the Lord.
The Players
The CYBL intentionally reaches out to young men in rough neighborhoods. Most players are missing a father figure in their household and struggle with finding their identity – so they go out and see the “homies” on the block and look up to them as male role models in their lives. This leads them to making bad decisions such as joining gangs, doing drugs, dropping out of school, and living recklessly, subconsciously finding their identity on the streets. The hope is that the players will begin to find their identity in something more positive, in this case the team, and accept their coaches as the positive male influences in their lives. We are using basketball as our tool to build relationships and introduce Christ to these young men. And as the players change, so will their families and their community.
Meet Joseph
Joseph is an 8th grader at El Sereno Middle
School in East LA. He comes from a broken home where both parents are incarcerated. He and his two brothers have been raised by his grandmother in the Ramona Gardens Housing Projects. Joseph’s parents have been incarcerated for most of his life. His outlet is playing sports, especially basketball. Although finding good leagues for Joseph to play in is difficult because of financial instability, the CYBL is hoping for the opportunity to sponsor him and others in his situation.
Meet Miguel
Miguel is a senior at Lincoln Heights High School in Boyle Heights. He has played two seasons in the CYBL and the team has been a constant positive influence in his life through rough times. This past season Miguel was the victim of a drive by shooting. He was shot in the face, but thankfully the injury wasn’t fatal. This incident happened because of his association with the neighborhood gang. Thanks to the CYBL, Miguel has changed into a leader on the team and become a positive role model for the youngsters in his community. He now voluntarily picks up trash in the neighborhood every week and has decided to pay back the damage done by his past vandalism. Miguel is a great example of the impact the CYBL hopes to make on every young man in the league. 
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How You Can Help
The CYBL is independently funded and all of the finances come directly from the players. This is a problem because the young men we are reaching are from poor neighborhoods and are financially insufficient. Therefore, we would like to be able to offer scholarships for the individuals that need support – and that’s where we need you. If this is a ministry you feel led to support, I ask you to consider sponsoring one or more of our players.  The cost to sponsor one kid to play in the league for one season is $50. This cost covers the whole season, along with the jersey and trophy. 
If you would like to give, checks should be made payable to me and sent to:
Alex Allsbrook
DCLS
2301 Bellevue Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
and in the memo line please write CYBL
In addition to any financial support you can offer, we always covet your prayers. We would love for you to partner with us in prayer for this ministry. We’re looking forward to seeing the lives of these young men radically change for the glory of God. Thank you for your time and consideration. This could not move forward without your support.
Thank you,
CYBL Staff