Staff photo / Bob Coupland Children take part in a basketball game at First Assembly of God Church in Warren as part of the Warren First Dribbles Christian youth basketball program. The program, marking its fourth year at the church, includes learning the sport with a religious element that includes a prayer before all of the games and Jesus-thermed skits at halftime.

WARREN — The Warren First Dribbles Christian youth basketball program not only instructs youth on learning the game but also provides a religious component, with prayers before each game and Jesus-themed skits at halftime,

Dean Kappas, one of the program coordinators, said the games take place part of the year at the Eicher Center at Warren First Assembly of God. He said the program was hosted at Wildare Church for four years before the coronavirus pandemic and then came to First Assembly.

“I thought of locating the program in Warren and met with the minister here who had prayed someone would use the Eicher Center facility. This center is a blessing for us to offer this on this side of Warren,” Kappas said.

“Everything about the program is Christ centered. The children like the basketball games and the Jesus skits we have at halftime,” he said.

Kappas said volunteers help as game officials and run the concession stands.

He said from September through November is the first session with kindergarten and first grade and the second session is second- to fifth-graders January through March.

This year, there were 153 children participating.

Kappas said the program is instructional with young children learning the game with hoops lower for them and basketballs at 25.5 and 28.5 inches.

He said the program includes local school children from 10 school districts and many home schooled children.

“The children get to play games with kids from other schools. Our goal is to help all the kids to improve. They all get playing time. They practice two times each week with games on Saturday. We want them to be exposed to a Christ-centered program where we have prayers and support from their coaches,” Kappas said.

He said the message for the participants is that everybody wins in the program and keeping track of everyone’s progress.

“My message to them is to have fun, play hard and never give up,” Kappas said.

He said the program was thriving before COVID-19 and then shut down before starting up again.

Bob Phelps, scorekeeper, said the program gives children the chance to play sports and get to know Jesus.

“This is a good, healthy program they have here. At this age the boys and girls can play the game together learning and having fun. The kids love coming here and doing this,” Phelps said.

He and Kappas said it is sad to see the children leave the program after fourth grade since they have participated since they were in kindergarten.

Brian Gearhart of Leavittsburg said he is one of the coaches and referees and has been helping at the program for the past eight years.

“Dean called me and asked me to help and I was glad to. I like the Christian aspect and how the children learn about sportsmanship and Jesus and having faith and believing in each other and in Jesus,” Gearhart said.

Cash Roper, 8, a second grader from Maplewood schools, said he has been with the program for three years starting in kindergarten.

“I like learning to play basketball and having fun,” Cash said.

Xander Reitz, 8, of Champion, said he has been in the program for four years and plans to come back to the program for fourth grade next year.

Parent Raeann Cayen of Greene said she likes how the children can meet new friends and learn new skills.

“I like how they include the Christian lesson as part of the program,” she said.

Parent Jennifer Soloman said she appreciates the program being offered and the faith and prayer component.

“You don’t often see faith and sports combined. It’s a nice opportunity for the children,” she said.