Greater East Austin Youth Association

WELCOME TO GEAYA

The Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA) is a volunteer organization established in 1975 to provide organized and structured sports activities for the economically disadvantaged youth of East Austin.

Since its inception, we strive to provide quality programs for boys and girls in the area. The principle for these efforts, in addition to providing a safe and fun environment for competitive participation, is to instill and reinforce a strong sense of values in our youth.

GEAYA welcomes donations!

If you would like to donate to GEAYA please make all checks payable to the Greater East Austin Youth Association and mail to:

Greater East Austin Youth Association
1307 Greenwood Ave.
Austin, TX 78721

We also thank all of our sponsors for all they do for GEAYA and the youth of East Austin. We encourage you to support our sponsors by patronizing their businesses.

FOUNDER/PRESIDENT EMERITUS GEAYA

James Howard

We Will Miss You Coach Howard!

Remembering Our Founder, Mr. James Howard (1935–2025)

Mr. James Howard (1935–2025) — one of the founders and mentors of the Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA) and the East Austin Youth Foundation.

Mr. Howard was instrumental in bringing organized youth sports to East Austin in the 1970s along with co-founder Nat Cannon. His leadership and vision created opportunities for generations of children in our community, and his legacy continues to live on in every game, every team, and every player who takes the field.

As a lifelong coach and mentor for more than 25 years, Mr. Howard helped introduce youth football, basketball, girls’ kickball, and Little League baseball to East Austin in 1975. He raised funds, recruited volunteers, organized teams, and provided equipment and uniforms for countless young athletes.

His devotion extended far beyond the field—driving kids to and from games, missing dinners at home, and giving generously of his time and resources. After the loss of his beloved wife, Lola Bernice Howard (also a coach), Mr. Howard refocused his energy, following what he described as a calling from God to help the youth of East Austin.

Through his leadership and partnership with other community leaders, Mr. Howard co-founded GEAYA and the East Austin Youth Foundation, both 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations providing structured youth sports and scholarships for underserved East Austin children.

From the first football teams — the Blue Knights and the Green Hornets — to the early basketball teams, the Falcons and Yellow Jackets, and the original Little League teams, Mr. Howard’s dedication built a foundation for generations to come. Today, hundreds of East Austin youth continue to benefit from the programs he helped establish.

“This is a big loss for GEAYA,” said Lee Dawson Jr., President of GEAYA. “Mr. Howard had a huge influence on my life, and his efforts encouraged me to step up and join GEAYA after playing for him as a kid. GEAYA is a family, and Mr. Howard was like our father — the one who started it all. We will miss him deeply. God bless him and his family.”

Mr. Howard believed that youth sports bring communities together and teach discipline, respect, sportsmanship, teamwork, and confidence — and that “everyone’s a winner if you do the best you can.”