Cowland, 21, is looking forward to attending Wichita State, which has the best collegiate tenpin bowling program in the US.

"They haven't been out of the top-10 ratings in the past 30 years," Cowling said.

"In that time they've had the same coach, Gordon Vadakin, and I'm really looking forward to learning a lot from this experience.

"They have structured training that can really help in a team environment."

Wichita won the 2007 boys' collegiate title and came second in the girls.

Cowland recently returned from the US after being the highest placed Australian at last month's World Youth Championships at Orlando, Florida.

He finished sixth in the teams category, eighth in the doubles and 44th overall in a field of 190 bowlers from 55 countries.

"When I look back at it, eighth in the doubles and sixth in the teams was quite amazing when you compare it with other countries and how they are funded and how much preparation they put in," Cowland said.

He was able to go to the World Youth Championships thanks to the support of the Shellharbour City Sports Assistance Fund, AMF Bowling Centres, the Illawarra Mercury and CPC Smash Repairs.

Tenpin bowlers also helped out, especially those from Strikezone, Blacktown Bowls and Cut It Out.