Photo: Players at Aberdeen First UMC getting rfeady for a game. Photo courtesy of Aberdeen First UMC Facebook page.

Over 900 youth in Kindergarten through Grade 6 are playing basketball, cheering on a team and learning a little bit about Jesus at three Dakotas Conference churches: Aberdeen First UMC, Aberdeen, SD; Calvary UMC, Fargo, ND and First UMC, Sioux Falls, SD. Through the Upward Sports© program each of the churches are reaching out to the community.

Upward Sports© programs focus on creating a positive environment, skills development and sharing the love of Jesus. Approximately half a million players at more than 2,000 churches in 47 states participate in camps, clinics, and leagues through Upward Sports’ Recreation Division. 

Aberdeen First UMC has been involved with the program for the past eight years. This year over 430 youth were in the basketball program and over 40 in the cheerleading program. Michelle Jesz is serving as the director for the first  time this year.  “This is my first year and I am learning a lot,” said Jesz. “I like to think of the program as a little bit of basketball and a little bit of Jesus.”

Jesz was introduced to the program a few years ago when her daughter got involved in the cheerleading.  “We got involved and joined the church,” said Jesz. “Today I am directing the program.”

Calvary UMC in Fargo has also been involved in Upward Sports© for several years.  This year over 350 are involved in basketball and cheerleading. There were too many kids to fit in the gym at Calvary so the church has partnered with the First Assembly of God church in Fargo. “I have coached a 5th and 6th grade team,” said Wayne Schumacher, a member at Calvary UMC. “It feels good to work with the youth.”

It is a family affair for Schumacher. He has a third grade grandson playing basketball, a first grade grand daughter cheerleading and his daughter coaching.  “I see a lot of benefits,” said Schumacher. “My grand daughter is quite shy. Being part of the cheering program has really helped her come out of her shell.”

First UMC in Sioux Falls started an Upward Sports © camp this year.  Pam Knuth serves as the coordinator for the program. “We have 24 kids who are involved in a four week basketball camp,” said Knuth. Sioux Falls First decided to offer the program to invite kids in the neighborhood to the church.  Community outreach and reaching the next generation are goals that church is working on as part of the Missional Church Consultation Initiative (MCCI). 

The basketball camp involves families from the church, volunteers from the church and families in the neighborhood. “We have five families from our neighborhood that come to the basketball camp,” said Knuth. “One of the kids participating asked his dad if he could please come to church here.” 

How it works

The process begins with recruitment and registration.  There is a registration fee that pays for uniforms. Each of the churches has a scholarship fund available so no child will be turned away because of lack of funds.

After registration is completed, kids attend a meeting or practice session where basketball skills are assessed. Children are divided into teams based on age, grade, skills and experience.  Each team has players with a variety of skills and experience.  A software program is utilized to set up the teams. 

The eleven-week program begins in January. Coaches will hold two to three weeks of practices. Then the games begin. Each team will have one game and one practice for the remaining eight weeks. 

A game involves 6 quarters of play and each member of the team plays an equal amount of time.  Coaches are supplied with a set of tables and charts to map out player time each week. 

Devotionals are part of the practice and the half-time of each of the games. Coaches are supplied with devotional material in print or through an app on their phone.

The cheerleading program is very similar.  Cheerleaders are placed on teams or squads after assessment. They have one practice each week and perform at one game.

Photo: Basketball players, cheerleaders, coaches and referees gather at half-time at a game at Aberdeen First UMC. Photo courtesy of Aberdeen First UMC.

What’s next?

Each of the churches will hold a celebration at the end of the program. The celebrations involve all of the participants, parents and community members.  “We try to lift up everyone,” said Jesz. “We have an entertainer who juggles coming from Minneapolis.  We also give each participant a picture frame and a portable basketball hoop."

A similar event will take place in Fargo. The pastors will present a brief message and thank the many volunteers.  “It is a wonderful program that teaches good sportsmanship, conduct, some spirituality and you have a lot of fun, “ said Wayne Schumacher, Calvary UMC.

All three of the churches plan to continue the sports program in the future.  The program has helped to inspire members within the church and community in a lot of ways.