Fall 2005
Facing Bench

Community Basketball Clinic Scores Big

Alliance Friends Church in Alliance Ohio, hosted their seventh annual Basketball Clinic with 150 kids from first to sixth grades participating. The clinic runs for five consecutive Saturdays during January and February each year. “This Outreach Basketball Clinic is consistently rated as ‘Best in the Area’ by participants’ parents and is one I never miss,” explained Rick Sams. The clinic has also become a special time of outreach to the parents as many of the adult members mingle with parents, fix refreshments, do crafts for bored younger brothers and sisters “watching.”

“The gospel is shared in each session,” continued Pastor Rick. “Then there’s a big festival the last day where breakfast and lunch are served, parents do the basketball drills, and prizes and team pictures are awarded. This clinic pumps up this pastor just watching our leaders have so much fun ministering to kids and their parents, many of whom are unchurched.”

Alliance Friends Sports and Recreation Director, Pete Donahue, added, “I spend so much time with the kids that they recognize me around town at the stores or other events. In a short time, bonding is established that can last for several years as the kids return to this and other clinics.”

Information submitted by Pastor Rick Sams, Alliance Friends Church