Matthews United Methodist Church: United Kids | Youth Basketball Ministry

a ministry of Matthews United Methodist Church

YOUTH BASKETBALL MINISTRY

We are excited each year to host our youth basketball league! The mission of this ministry is to reinforce our faith, embolden the character and spirit within our youth, and demonstrate the wonders of living God's way of life. We believe that God is Lord over all our actions, including our play. He created the world and called it "good", and while we often think of God's creation as the natural world, God also created fun! When we acknowledge God as creator of recreation, we can enjoy fun for what it is - a way to honor God with our time and energy.

2024-2025 Youth Basketball Ministry

Registration for this season OPENS October 1! We're excited you're considering becoming part of this fun season! On this page, you will find information about this year's league and the links to register. We look forward to you being a part of this ministry!

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."

1 Timothy 4:8

Season & League Information

Season Schedule (subject to changes)

NOTICE: Team Registrations are CLOSED.
We are unable to accept any additional teams. Below you'll find the link for player registrations for those on already-registered teams and those who wish to register as an individual & be assigned to a team.

October 1: Online Registration Opens
November 1: Team Registrations Close
November 5: Required Coaches Meeting, 6:30 - 7:30pm (in person or Zoom)
November 15: Individual player registrations close
November 17: On-campus practice opportunities begin
November 18 or 20: Scorekeeper Training, 6:30 - 8:00pm (in person)
December 6: Games Begin (Friday nights & Saturdays)
December 20 - January 1: Christmas & New Year Holiday Break
February 25, 2025: Tournament & Season Ends

Player Eligibility

Our league is open to any youth within the 7th to 12th grade range, with the following age & school requirements:

Any player younger than 12 yrs. on December 1st, or turning 18 yrs. on/after February 1st MUST, if requested, produce proof of grade level & school involvement to be eligible to participate.
Players may register as part of a planned team or as an individual, where you will be assigned to an appropriate team.

Coaching Eligibility

We sincerely appreciate the time commitment & loving hearts offered by our coaches!

Coaches must be at least 21 years of age and at least five (5) years older than the oldest youth under his/her supervision. A coach may utilize a 'helper' who is between 18 to 21 years of age, however, the 'helper' may not represent the team as 'coach' alone during any game or practice.
Acceptable MUMC criminal records checks are required to assure the character of the coach and the safety & protection of the youth.

Interested in Coaching? Please Use This Form to Contact Rob Hunter

Teams

Teams must have at least five (5) but no more than ten (10) players. Team may be preorganized or interested players may register individually and will be assigned to an appropriate team. Teams will be assigned within the following brackets:

•Boys: 7th & 8th Grade
•Boys: 9th & 10th Grade
•Boys: 11th & 12th Grade
•Girls: 7th > 12th Grade

Practices

Free half-court practice space will be made available at the MUMC gym on a first-come basis. Signups for practice times will be made available to the coaches.

Games

Games are scheduled in one-hour blocks, Friday evenings and throughout the days & evenings on Saturdays. Once posted, game schedules cannot be changed. The season will conclude with an all-inclusive, single elimination tournament.

To view the current game schedule, click here.

Tournament

Our season concludes with an all-inclusive, single-elimination tournament beginning Friday, February 14, 2025 and ending on Saturday, February 22.

Weekly Devotions

As part of this basketball ministry, each team will be asked to participate in weekly devotions (provided) together; these can happen before/after practices or at another time. MUMC will provide a devotion booklet. Brief devotions will be led by ministry staff prior to the start of each game; all players and coaches are expected to be present.

To access & follow our seasonal devotion series, please click here.

Jerseys

Players may rent league jerseys ($15; $5 refundable at end of season when jersey returned) or teams may provide their own. Team names and jersey design must be approved in advance by the League Commissioner (Rob Hunter.)

Player Registration

Open player registration has closed. For players who were accepted onto a roster by the November 15 deadline, their coach will connect them with the appropriate church staff to complete their registration.

Required Form: Prior to practicing or playing in our facility, players must return the required Basketball Participant Permission, Release, Medical, Photo & Covid Release Form. The signed form must be returned to Rob Hunter no later than November 15, 2024.

Required Release Form

Other Opportunities

•Scorekeepers: Each season we employ teens at least 16 years of age to serve as scorekeepers during the season; scorekeepers are not required to be a registered player in the league. The Scorekeeper application period has closed for this season. If you have questions about this opportunity, feel free to contact us.

Scorekeeper Application

•Other Volunteers: If you are interested in serving as a volunteer to assist with the operation of the season, we welcome your assistance! Please contact League Commissioner Rob Hunter for more information by filling out this form

Please contact Rob Hunter with questions about this ministry.

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