About Us
Who We Are
The New York Gauchos Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball program offers youth in New York City the highest quality athletic programming, academic support and enrichment, and opportunities for lifelong success. Our goals are to produce athletes who can play basketball at the highest competitive levels, and to cultivate strong students and well-rounded citizens. The principle of teamwork is the foundation of all we do and shapes our comprehensive approach to inspiring self-confidence, athletic excellence, academic achievement, and leadership in the youth we serve.
Since 1967, the internationally-recognized New York Gauchos have operated under the stewardship of Teamwork Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. Our elite AAU program, one of the longest-running and most successful after-school basketball programs in the country, has four competitive divisions for boys and girls. Each year we provide approximately 300 student athletes with an elite travel team experience, academic enrichment, and educational opportunities. Our home, the Gauchos Gym, is also available for rental and serves as a magnet for numerous community activities.
A Legacy of Excellence
Over the years, the New York Gauchos teams have won numerous local, national, and regional championships.
Since 1967, hundreds of New York Gauchos alumni have been accepted to elite colleges and played on championship basketball teams, including the 20 NCAA Division 1 student athletes we have produced in the last 6 years alone. Our 25 alumni who have played in the NBA include Kenny Anderson, Orlando Antigua, Lloyd Daniel, Taj Gibson, Billy Goodwyn, Julius Hodge, Mark Jackson, Felipe Lopez, Stephon Marbury, Chris Mullin, Ed Pinckney, John Salley, Russ Smith Jr, Rod Strickland, Jamal Mashburn, Pearl Washington and Kemba Walker; standout WNBA Gauchos alumni include Matee Ajavon, Pietra Gay, and Keisha Hampton.
Our Staff
Teamwork Foundation/New York Gauchos Board of Directors
- Lou d’Almeida, Chairman
- Charles Chiara, President
- John Beaty, Secretary and Treasurer
- Peggy Jacobs Bader
- Adam Bronfman
- Russ Smith
Administrative Staff
- Earl Elliotte , Managing Director
- Vernon Gary, Program Coordinator
- Jona Bailey, Gurpreet Malhi Office Managers
- Mike Williams, Weekend Development Director
- Book Richardson, Boys Basketball Director
- CC Holcome , Boys Basketball Assistant Coordinator
- CJ Steed Web Coordinator
- Oscar Chimilio, Front Desk Manager
Gauchos Gym
478 Gerard Ave, Bronx, NY 10451