Ten years of giving back for the love of the game
Growing up as a youngster in the ’80s, Pinder Lally remembers taking his ball to the park no matter how hard the day was for him. Now as an adult, he still keeps the same relentless mindset, but with helping kids be able to play the game he loves so much, basketball.
Lally started up the Yuba City Ballers program 10 years ago when he wanted to get under privileged kids a chance to play basketball. Lally also said that he was at a stage in his life where he was ready to give back.
“Some of those kids in tough situations can have a lot of free time on their hands and end up getting into some pretty bad things. That’s when I said, look, it’s time to do something about this,” Lally said.
Fast forward ten years, and many former players from the Yuba Ballers program have gone on to be successful in all aspects of life.
“What we really try and do is to teach these kids the core values of life. Learning how to work with
others, towards a goal, and that nothing comes easy. When they get out of school and go into the real world, they’ll be a better person,” said Lally.
Lally hasn’t just gotten the credit of his students and players. Multiple basketball coaches from around the area have given him high praise, including River Valley junior varsity coach, Diego Escutia.
“The work that Pinder continues to do in the community is so important, especially in this day and age. His program is bringing together kids of all racial and economic backgrounds and teaching them the importance of respect,” Escutia said. “Over the last decade, his program has empowered athletes to reach their potential and grow into productive community members.”
While it’s been tough for Lally and his staff to find court time, they won’t let it hinder them in the process of giving those who want to play, a chance.
“If you want to play basketball, we have a spot for you,” Lally said.
Lally and his coaching staff will be holding a free basketball academy starting on Thursday and going until March 31. The academy is open to kids five-years-old and up and will be held at River Valley High School as well as the Yuba City Ballers Facility at 1100 Garden Fwy.
The Yuba City Ballers will also be running tryouts for High School aged players on March 16. The boys tryouts will start at 10 a.m. and the girls will begin at 2 p.m. For more information you can contact Lally at 530-682-6818.