about us

The Story Behind Community Youth Center

Rooted in Concord and serving youth across the Bay Area, Community Youth Center (CYC) empowers the next generation through athletics, academics, and mentorship — helping every child build discipline, confidence, and lifelong character. What began as a small local gym has evolved into a state-of-the-art facility serving more than 2,000 active members each year. Guided by community support, volunteers, and local partnerships, CYC continues to inspire confidence, discipline, and resilience in every child who walks through its doors.

The Community Youth Center was born from a simple act of generosity and vision. In 1995, a $1 million gift from The Hofmann Family Foundation transformed a small boxing club on Galaxy Court into what would become one of the Bay Area’s leading youth development centers.


Founded to address the lack of affordable after-school programs and the growing challenges of at-risk youth, CYC became a beacon of positive change for Concord. Since then, our programs have grown to serve over 2,000 members annually, producing Olympians, national champions, and academic achievers while staying true to our founding mission — to give every young person a place to belong, grow, and thrive.

Our Mission

At CYC, we empower local youth by cultivating transferable life skills through athletic and academic performance. We’re passionate about creating a safe, structured environment where young people can develop dedication, discipline, desire, and the confidence to pursue excellence in every part of life.

Our Goal

Our goal is to help develop well rounded, thoughtful, confident, and strong youth. Our programs emphasize character, discipline, and respect through dynamic and challenging classes. We encourage our members to try several different programs, building flexibility, strength, self esteem and confidence as they participate. Our academic centers provide subject specific tutors, study strategies, and time management skills. As our members grow in academic success, so does their confidence. Through the development of mind and body, our members create infinite possibilities for their future.

Our Vision & Purpose

Our vision has always been to provide the young people in our community the opportunity to participate in extra curricular activities and academic support regardless of economic means. We believe all young people deserve the chance to thrive, and seek to remove the barriers that prevent many young people from participating in activities that help create well rounded adults. In today’s world, that vision has taken on extra meaning and importance. In order to meet our vision, we have created a center that provides high quality academic and athletic programs with no financial barriers for all young people. CYC is a unique place where students are part of a diverse culture, where we seek to meet students where they are in their development, and where students are allowed to grow at their pace in a safe environment. We provide varied levels of instruction, from beginner to elite, and encourage all students to develop the discipline, work ethic, and desire to excel.

The Values That Define Us

Weightlifter with barbell.
Discipline

Focus and commitment through every challenge.

Four icons in squares: megaphone, eye, hearts, and chat bubble.
Desire

A drive to improve every day, in every area.

Black heart held by two hands.
Compassion

Supporting others and celebrating shared progress.

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Teamwork

Achieving more together than alone.

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Respect

For ourselves, our peers, and our community.

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Sportsmanship

Competing with integrity and gratitude.

Black star on a white background.
Commitment

Giving your best effort, on and off the mat.

our staff

Meet the Team Behind the Mission

The strength of CYC comes from the people who lead it — coaches, tutors, and mentors who bring experience, passion, and heart to every class and training session. Our staff includes decorated athletes, Olympic alumni, and dedicated educators who share one goal: helping every young person realize their full potential.

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Matt Harrison
executive director
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Viviana Hernandez
Academic Excellence Program Director
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Mary Anne Schneider
Little “AE” Program Director
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Gary Sullenger
HEAD BOXING COACH
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JUAN ARIAS
Assistant Boxing Coach
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Windy Rolandelli
HEAD CHEER COACH
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cassie bunch
Assistant Cheer Coach
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Arti Awasti
Customer Service Director
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Izabella crespo
Head Dance Coach
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Sophia Seeno
Director of Events
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Blake wayne
Marketing Director/Head Football Coach/Program Director
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Nicki Gwizdak
Head Gymnastics Coach
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Dennis Gutridge
Head Judo Coach
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Brandon Davis
Head soccer Coach
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Brad Buccholz
S&C Head Coach/Program Director
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Ed Austin
Head Taekwondo Coach
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Steve Gee
Head Wrestling Coach
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Robby SMith
Assistant Head Wrestling Coach/School Liaison
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Mawuko Tugbenyoh
program director
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Ray Newman
Head of Maintenance

Be Part of the Legacy That Builds Brighter Futures

For nearly three decades, CYC has transformed the lives of young people through discipline, compassion, and opportunity. Your support keeps that legacy alive — funding scholarships, expanding programs, and ensuring every child has the chance to succeed.