What began as a single program offered in the hallways of one school in Los Angeles, CA is now a nationwide network of passionate franchise owners. Trusted by families and schools for over 20 years, we are proud to use our platform to ignite a passion for play, develop a love of the game, and empower kids to Keep Swinging!® all while having fun!
In 2021, TGA joined the Youth Athletes United family of brands to advance the mission of positively impacting 1 million kids each year through sports.
We're committed to developing the whole person & player
We believe sports change lives and seek to make our students better players and better people. We strive to teach in ways that promote individual growth and development on and off the field, course, or court.
Athletics
We help kids realize their athletic potential and utilize sports as a path toward an active and healthy lifestyle.
Academics
We use sports as a vehicle for teaching academic lessons and encourage exploration and learning through playing.
Life Lessons
We develop values that promote individual growth & teamwork by teaching lessons in sportsmanship, perseverance, and leadership.
Our Team
Kevin Rooney
Owner / Territory Director
Kevin Rooney started his TGA journey at the age of 22, becoming one of the first licensees in 2006 when he bought the rights to Bergen County.
While his business journey started in 2006, his youth sports path started way back to when he was introduced to the game of golf at the age 10. Kevin focused on Baseball and Basketball as a youth athlete. That lasted until he was introduced to the game of golf.
Kevin grew a love for the game after being introduced to it by his Dad, attending camps, father/son clinics, and what ever was available. Starting at the age of 14 he caddied and worked in the bag room at Ridgewood Country Club. It all led to him playing on the golf team for 4 years at St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, NJ; a team which he now coaches each spring. From there he went to University of Tampa, graduating with a Marketing and Sports Management Major.
After college he knew he wanted to be an impact in the game of golf beyond just playing and that led him to TGA. He wanted to provide youth of Bergen County, who were not members of country clubs or good enough to play in tournaments, access to the game. TGA provided that infrastructure.
Since 2006, Kevin continues to try to improve access to the game for kids in Bergen County. Since starting in 2006, Kevin’s involvement with TGA has grown to offer Golf, Tennis, and Team Sports in Bergen County, Golf and Tennis in Northern Westchester County, and Golf in NYC (since Fall 2022).
Stephen Ruben
Lead Golf Coach
I have been passionate for the game of golf since I was 12 years old. When I practiced law, my office voicemail on Fridays often recited that “I was on a course”
I have played both left handed and right handed (long story, don’t ask) and can teach all players. have been a member of private clubs and on a Greens Committee and have played on four continents.
I had taught my son and granddaughter to play and for much of 2022 have been delighted to coach kids in the TGA program. Our kids are curious and determined to play and learn golf the right way, focusing on swing mechanics, course management and the etiquette and values of golf. We are teaching kids not only to play but how to behave as golfers both on the course and off.
In the classes that I teach all of the TGA safety protocols are embraced by coach and student alike. It is a privilege to be a member of the TGA coaching roster.
