CENTRAL SPORTS Athletics with a Mission
By ALEX BOURQUEIN
At Central Baptist Church in College
Station , group sports such as flag football , volleyball , soccer , basketball , and cheer are offered to children ages 4 to 12 years old . Central Sports first began in 2012 by offering volleyball , while offering other sports through the Upwards Sports program . In November 2015 , Central Baptist left the Upwards Sports program and expanded their athletics options within Central Sports .
“ The purpose behind the sports is about Jesus ,” says Bill Wise , family activities minister at Central Baptist . “ We want to incorporate Him in the practices and games , and focus on the kids having fun .” In order to incorporate biblical teachings with sports , players have devotionals with their team and with their parents during practices and games .
There are currently 466 children registered in the soccer league , but only 20 to 30 percent of the children attend Central Baptist . Central Sports focuses more on enjoyment of the game and the acquisition of athletic skills rather than winning or losing .
“ One thing when people hear church sports , they don ’ t think competitive ,” says Wise . “ But it ’ s a threefold mission we
24 INSITE May / June 2017
‘ It ’ s a threefold mission we have here : teaching the kids about Jesus , having fun , and getting better at the game ’ — Bill Wise
have here : teaching the kids about Jesus , having fun , and getting better at the game . Obviously , winning is a lot more fun than losing , but we are here to teach them that its not about winning at all cost and how to lose with respect while showing good sportsmanship .”
For Central Sports , registration is no different than with city leagues and other club sports in the area . The church has a director of leadership who
recruits parents and volunteers to run the programs . Volunteers are usually sought out as referees and the team coaches are generally parents who volunteer their time to Central Sports . Every adult involved in the program goes through an extensive background check , takes a child protection class , and is approved by church staff .
“ Our goal is to reach out into the Bryan / College Station area for the kingdom of Jesus ,” says Wise . i
Registering for Fall Sports
Registration for flag football and volleyball for the 2017 season opens on May 1 . Football is open to boys and girls ; practices once a week on Monday , Tuesday , or Thursdays at either 5:30 p . m . or 6:30 p . m .; and games are on Saturdays . Volleyball is girls only from grades first through sixth ; practices are once a week on Monday , Tuesday , or Thursday at either 5:30 p . m . or 6:30 p . m .; and games are on Saturdays . All participants must attend one of the three evaluation periods for football and volleyball .
To register for the 2017 Season , visit centralbcs . org or call ( 979 ) 776-9977 .