Basketball Brings Teens Together at The Gateway Family YMCA

Union, NJ, March 11, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Finishing their first year as an Association–wide 14 under Basketball Team, The Gateway Family YMCA may not have won the tournament, but they achieved so much more. The team, coached by Steve Alce of the Five Points branch, consisted of teen members from The Gateway Family YMCA branches in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union. “It’s amazing to see this group from different communities and Y branches, come together as a real team throughout the season,” added Danielle Cioffi, District Executive Director - The Gateway Family YMCA.

The 14 under Basketball Team concluded the season at the YBA Tournament this past weekend at the Wyckoff Area YMCA. In a double elimination tournament, featuring teams from around New Jersey, The Gateway Family YMCA team advanced all the way to the final day of the tournament, from Friday to Sunday. In a close game, the team was knocked out of the tournament by the Westfield YMCA. “This was really a great experience for the teens not only on the court playing together, but also off the court between games, spending time hanging out and bonding,” stated Steve Alce, Youth and Teen Coordinator at the Five Points Branch, “You can be sure the Gateway Family YMCA will be back again for next year’s tournament.”

“The best part of this whole experience was seeing this group of teens from all different branches grow together on the team and become friends in this season,” added Thomas Galuppo, Youth and Family Director at The Gateway Family YMCA – Five Points Branch. In past years, teams from the branches in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union have typically competed against each other in friendly 3 on 3 tournaments. This year marks the first year that all branches banded together to form the association-wide team. The Gateway Family YMCA also hosts an association-wide Swim Team, which practices at the Rahway Branch.

The Gateway Family YMCA, formerly The YMCA of Eastern Union County, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community. The Y stands For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility. The Gateway Family YMCA impacts the community by providing quality services to people of all ages, races, faith or incomes. The Y doesn’t just strengthen bodies – it strengthens people, families and communities.

For more information about community programs and services provided by The Gateway Family YMCA, please visit www.tgfymca.org or contact the Elizabeth Branch at elizabethinfo@tgfymca.org 908-355-9622, Five Points Branch at fivepointsinfo@tgfymca.org 908-688-9622, Rahway Branch at rahwayinfo@tgfymca.org 908-388-0057, or the Wellness Center Branch at wellnessinfo@tgfymca.org 908-349-9622.