Tammy Shondelmyer, director of Next Generation Ministries at Pequea Baptist Church, 6062 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gap, is happy to invite area children to take part in Upward Basketball during the fall and winter of 2021-22. "We strive to engage in fun competition that provides instruction for kids with all levels of experience," said Shondelmyer.
Upward Basketball is a nationwide program for students in grades one through seven provided through sponsoring churches. At Pequea Baptist, children learn basketball skills, but there is also a faith-based component that works devotionals into practice sessions. Game days feature a halftime challenge with an inspirational speaker from the league or the community. "If your child is an experienced player or brand new to the game, Upward is a place where their skills will improve with practice and encouragement," Shondelmyer said.
Registration for the program is open. It will end Tuesday, Nov. 9, and registration will be limited. Evaluation nights will be held on Nov. 9; Thursday, Nov. 11; Monday, Nov. 29; and Thursday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. each night. During the evaluation nights, the students will be sized for a jersey and asked to perform drills that demonstrate skill levels, including dribbling drills, shooting drills, and a defensive skill test. Previous basketball experience is not necessary. The purpose of the evaluations is to help divide students into teams for competition. First- and second-grade boys and girls play together on coed teams. Older students have separate teams for boys and girls. Practices will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays, and each team will be assigned one evening a week to practice. A special Meet Your Coach Day will be held on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, and games will be held on Saturdays from Jan. 8 through March 5.
"We love our community, and we host Upward because it is an activity that brings our community together," shared Shondelmyer. "Lord willing, it will also be a little something that can help our community move forward," she added.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols at the times of the practices and games will be observed.
Children who wish to participate may be registered at http://www.fbcpequea.org. Readers who have questions may call 717-442-4403.
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