Upward Basketball

Upward Basketball evaluations have started at New Hope, marking the tenth year of this program for boys and girls in grades 1-6. In the previous nine years, we have grown from 60 children in 2000 to over 320 children last year, on 50 different teams; including teams in the West Marshall, East Marshall, BCLUW, and South Tama, as well as Marshalltown school districts. There are many factors which make this ministry so unique; the most important of which is that Jesus Christ is the center of the program. Coaches treat every child as a special creation of God. An effort is made to insure that teams are evenly divided, even if it is not an exact science. Guidelines for equally dividing up playing time among the team members are followed by the coaches. Coaches and referees work together instead of against one another. Bible devotions are given by the coaches at practice and by volunteers at halftime of the games. Each participant is given a packet of memory verse cards, a reversible game and practice jersey, and a neat gift at the completion of the season.
The program involves over 100 coaches, 30 referees, and others from several different churches who volunteer because they love Jesus and they love children. Many are the positive comments we have received from players and parents alike. Practices begin the week of October 12th and games are on Saturdays from October 12th through December 12th. The deadline for registration is September 15th so call today (752-1612) or pass this information on to some boy or girl in the 1st through 6th grades you think would benefit from a safe, fun, and Christ-centered environment.
Kerry