SJ Organizations: YABA

South Jersey kids can strike it rich with the Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA) of South Jersey. The organization sponsors several junior-bowling events, including the Pepsi Challenge and the Bowler of the Year tournament. Participating children are able to have fun at YABA events in a safe and healthy environment. The YABA offers a lifelong learning experience, allowing children of all ages the opportunity to play and later pass on their expertise to other interested children as coaches. YABA focuses on education and enriching children athletically and interpersonally.

Kids can begin Junior Bowling as soon as they are old enough to handle the weight of the ball and follow instructions for safety. The YABA also gives an opportunity for children to interact with others from the participating bowling centers. YABA events always include prizes such as bowling balls, bags, shoes and even scholarship money. The YABA rewards children on their progress and scores and encourages the value of family entertainment.

For the tinier tots, YABA holds Bumper Bowling, which allows very young children to knock down pins as they learn the basics. Instead of the balls going into the gutter, they bounce off the bumpers that are sitting in the gutters, allowing children to maintain interest and feel good about their efforts while still learning the basic form and game.

YABA also provides a unique opportunity for parents to be involved with their children as coaches. YABA coaching is a volunteer effort from South Jersey residents. There are four different levels of coaches: Coaching Assistants who are parents, youth leaders, and adult volunteers interested in coaching. The other three levels are Junior Olympic coaches, who attend training programs on several levels. Each level has a prerequisite and the coach must pass the program before advancement. All YABA coaches have one goal, to enrich children through the sport of bowling.

The YABA holds several tournaments throughout the year:

The Bowler of the Year Junior Tournament, on Tuesday, April 1st, allows each child that participated in previous tournaments to compete for the coveted ‘Bowler of the Year’ title. After the tournament, YABA will throw a party to honor all of the winning bowlers for the year with families and friends. The tournament will be held at Maple Bowl, 7111 Maple Ave, in Pennsauken. If you’d like to check it out, call (856) 665-3377.

On April 5th and 6th, junior bowlers have the opportunity to earn scholarships by competing in the New Jersey Pepsi-Cola Youth Bowling Championship Scholarship Tournament. High-scoring juniors win a chance to go on to the state and national finals. The state final scholarship award is $15,000 and is provided by the New Jersey Bowling Council. The tournament will be held at Maple Bowl, 7111 Maple Ave, in Pennsauken. For more information, call (856) 665-3377. So far in 2003, several juniors have ranked in 1st place at their individual bowling centers for points standing. Congratulations to the following bowlers, and good luck in the ‘Bowler of the Year’ tournament:

Singles
Daniel Gregus, Maple Bowl
Alexis Hoinkis, Woodcrest Lanes
Keith Bradley, Glassboro Brunswick
Jason Tighe, Deptford
Kerry Serduck, Loyle Lanes
Laura Gregus, Maple Bowl

Doubles
Ricky McKinley, Glassboro Brunswick
Nicole Connolly, Glassboro Brunswick
Samantha Taylor, Loyle Lanes
Brianna Emeigh, Loyle Lanes
John Geary, Loyle Lanes
Brandon Loyle, Loyle Lanes
Alexis Hoinkis Woodcrest Lanes
Anthony Scerati, Woodcrest Lanes
Jennifer Augello, Harbor Lanes
Justina Harbright, Harbor Lanes
Zachary Saduk, Mousetrap Lanes
Robert Geiger, Mousetrap Lanes
Kristin Rescinito, Glassboro Brunswick
Jason Gonzalez, Loyle Lanes
Michael Petit, Loyle Lanes
Anthony Garcia, Loyle Lanes

If you or someone you know would like to get involved in the YABA bowling program as a bowler or coach, there are several different centers that participate in the YABA program and tournaments. Visit the YABA website at www.southjerseyyaba.com or call the center nearest you for more information.

For more on local Organizations, visit our South Jersey Organizations page.

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Author: Melissa Samuelson