Children’s Basketball Leagues Conclude – Youth basketball is next!

For four weeks through the month of February each year – every Saturday morning – Mission Arlington^®‘s buses would roll throughout the neighborhoods picking up excited kids – for a morning of basketball.

It was one way that Bible study leaders in our apartment congregations across the community could spend more time with each child. Building these relationships are so important. It was also a way that these children – about 70 first through sixth graders each week – could get good exercise, and to learn a little more about the game of basketball.

Teamwork was an important part of the coaching process, led by all volunteer teams. These young students were given the opportunity to dribble and pass the basketball around at the same time they were taking the ball to the hoop. Coaches made sure that the experience was fun for everyone.

These leagues were also designed to encourage competition without being competitive.  The children worked hard to win their individual games, but by the end of each Saturday morning, all of them were winners. As the children left for home each Saturday, it wasn’t evident to observers who the winners were, but it was obvious that no one was a loser.

As you can see from the pictures, every child received a free t-shirt.  These leagues were provided to the community by Mission Arlington^®, staffed by volunteers, and free-of-charge for every child.  The mantra of our day is that “nothing’s free,” but that simply isn’t true here.  Every service we offer is always free.  We can do this, because of your faithful support here.

Perhaps the best part of each Saturday morning has been the devotionals, straight from Scripture.  Every Saturday morning, the children heard God’s Word, a devotional thought, a moment of interaction, and then a prayer to start the day.

These Saturday morning basketball leagues have simply been extraordinary.  What a blessing it is to love and serve the children of our community, and to work alongside each of you who pray, volunteer, and provide financial support for our work.

Our youth basketball leagues begin this coming Saturday.