The temperature is in the 90s as the basektball players run up and down the hard, hot concrete court outside Dallas Ranch Middle School, shooting into one hoop with a net that refuses to let go of the ball until someone jumps up and punches it loose after every shot, and then shooting into the other hoop with a net so tattered it’s nearly nonexistent.

All the while, Alan Lloyd encourages and pushes the players with a running commentary: “Let’s go, let’s go, push it up, push it up, why’d he get that rebound, nice shot, all the way, you have got to communicate, take the shot, OK, take a break, get some water, don’t sit down, all right, let’s go again.”

Lloyd is the coach of the Bay Area Gladiators, which is composed of mostly African-American players ranging in age from 15 to 22, some of whom are in or headed for college, some of whom have been in the justice system and are on probation and many of whom have few job skills, job-seeking skills or male role models or mentors in life – except for Lloyd.

While many people complain that more programs need to be provided for at-risk youth to keep them out of trouble, wringing their hands that there’s not enough governmental or private funding available, Lloyd decided to go ahead and start his own basketball, job counseling and referral program without waiting for or worrying about funding.

When asked whether he gets paid for all the time and work he puts in, he said, “I get paid, because they are my future. If one of my kids succeed, that’s the reward I am getting. I do believe in God. God says, ‘Take care of the children.’”

The Gladiators have won several tournaments playing against other Northern California teams through the Sac Area Sports league, and have won the Pacific Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championship. They are planning to enter the AAU USA Senior Boys Division Tournament in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on July 28, and are holding an all-day car wash fundraiser at the 76 gas station on Lone Tree Way at Golf Course Road on Saturday, July 11 to help pay for the trip.

To help gain community support, Lloyd spoke at the June 9 Antioch City Council meeting, pointing out that some of his players take two-hour bus rides to get to practice and that their grades have improved since entering his program.

“They could be getting in trouble elsewhere, but with my program they are out of trouble,” he told the council. “By the time they leave (a practice) they are so tired they go home and go right to sleep. That way we know that they are out of trouble. We are giving them job-readiness skills also. Most of these kids don’t know how to fill out an application and do a job interview. We are giving them job skills and interviewing skills, and I’m referring them to jobs, also.”

Councilman Reggie Moore, who has been pushing to provide more recreation programs and mentors for at-risk youth, said he’s working to help find funding for Lloyd’s team.

“I’m very appreciative of the work he’s been doing,” said Moore. “I do think you are having a positive impact with some of the most at-risk and vulnerable children amongst us. I think I have identified some funding. The greater public needs to also weigh in so that these children, who are among the most vulnerable amongst us, have the opportunity. We may save one or two children from going down the wrong path.”

Lloyd responded, “They have never been anywhere, but are representing our cities. They are out there promoting nonviolence. These kids are bringing more kids to me daily. I’m getting four or five kids on a daily basis; I’m dealing with over 60 kids. I’m one person; I’m just trying to do my part.” He received applause from the audience at the council meeting.

On Monday as his team hustled up and down the pavement (he’s been unsuccessful so far in getting the school district to allow him to rent the middle school gym so that his team can play on a softer surface out of the sun and heat), Lloyd, who is 45 and a father of three, discussed his motivation.

“I am just trying to give these kids a chance,” he said. “I have kids on probation, but I still give them a chance; I do not give up on them. My wife said, ‘Why do you keep doing this?’ I say, ‘I didn’t have anybody like me coming up.’ I am just trying to give back.”

One of those benefiting is David Barksdale, 18, who travels from his home in Richmond to Antioch for the practices three times a week. “He’s a good coach,” he said. “He makes us work hard. He got us out here in the sun, so we get used to any conditions. If anything, we will always be in shape. It’s a good workout and a good team, good atmosphere.”

For more information or to make a contribution, call Lloyd at 510-228-8065.