As the Lord wills the Youth Sports Ministry will be beginning its thirteenth year of ministry this March. Certainly God's blessings have been evident year after year. Each year His ministry to players and their families has been something to behold. Soccer has been the main sport, but baseball and basketball have also been used for "seasons" of ministry. The emphasis is on the family, with weekly devotional studies guiding players through a personal study of the Word with times of devotion and discussion with their families. Teams get together before every game to review and discuss their studies for the week. Discipleship and spiritual growth are strengthened on the field as well, as players learn to compete in ways pleasing to the Lord, and parents and other spectators encourage and support in ways pleasing to Him as well. Of course, much fun and fellowship is experienced by all! Regarding the upcoming soccer season, please read through the following information: Background The mission of the Harvest Youth Soccer Ministry is "to bring honor and glory to God by providing children with an opportunity to experience Christian fellowship, personal discipleship, and spiritual growth through participation in athletics." When and Where The 2010 season will be approximately 8-10 games, and runs from March 6–June 12. All practices and games will be at California Baptist University, located on Magnolia Avenue, just south of Adams Street. Games will be played Saturdays between 8:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. Practices are held Wednesdays between 4:00 P.M.–6:00 P.M. though actual practice times will vary based on age level and the coach's discretion. Click here for the 2010 Schedule. (PDF) Who Can Participate The league is open to all children ages 5-14 who regularly attend Harvest Christian Fellowship. In addition, we are always looking for adult volunteers to serve as coaches, assistant coaches, team moms, referees, security, parking lot, equipment set-up and tear-down, and general clean-up. Note: All volunteers must go through the Harvest Children's Ministry's screening process, or have clearance through the Children's Ministry. Registration and Costs Player registration will be held Sunday mornings on the Patio (February 7, 14, and 21). Registration at the Orangecrest and Eastvale satellite campuses will be on February 14 only. Registration is $50 for the first child, and $35 for each additional sibling. After February 14, registration fee is $60 per child. All registration fees are non-refundable. Note: Registration fees do not constitute payment for the league, but support for the Youth Sports Ministry. As part of registration, parents are expected to volunteer 2–5 hours with the ministry during the season. Participation Players must be properly dressed and equipped to participate. A team jersey is included with registration fees, but players must provide their own shorts (black, with no pockets), cleats, shin guards, and socks. Parent Orientation A parent orientation meeting will be held on Saturday, February 27, at 10:00 A.M. in the Fellowship Hall. At least one parent must attend this meeting. Opening Day We will hold an Opening Day Players' Clinic on Saturday, March 6, from 9:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at California Baptist University. For more information please email the ministry at sports@harvest.org