Beyond the Game: Just Kingdom Sports Transforms Communities Through Faith and Athletics

“We noticed a big gap in the community where kids weren’t able to participate in sports, and not just that—they were missing out on key lessons that sports can teach,”

Written By Michael Brown |Game Changers Magazine

On any given Saturday, Tuesday, or Thursday, the parks in McDonough, Georgia, are alive with energy—cars filling up the lots, kids dribbling basketballs, parents cheering from the sidelines. This isn’t just another youth sports league. This is Just Kingdom Sports (JKS), a movement that is reshaping lives through faith, mentorship, and community engagement. Founded by Coach Neil and Minister Chase, Just Kingdom Sports is more than athletics—it’s a mission. “We noticed a big gap in the community where kids weren’t able to participate in sports, and not just that—they were missing out on key lessons that sports can teach,” says Coach Neil, who relocated from Maryland to Georgia four years ago. Since then, JKS has impacted over 1,000 families, offering not only training on the court but also mentorship off of it.

Sports as Ministry: Taking the Word Beyond Church Walls

The vision behind Just Kingdom Sports is simple yet powerful—using sports as an outreach tool to bring people to Christ. “Not everyone will step inside a church,” says Coach Neil. “But they’ll come to a basketball game. They’ll come to a football practice. And while they’re here, we remind them who they are in Christ, not who social media tells them they are.” It’s common to see kids and coaches in a prayer huddle before and after games, reinforcing the values of faith, discipline, and teamwork. JKS isn’t just coaching athletes—it’s shaping young men and women into leaders who understand their worth and purpose.

Breaking Stereotypes and Building Bridges

One of JKS’s most powerful testimonies comes from Kenny P, an artist and mentor who has seen both sides of life—from the streets to the stage. Formerly known as "Player K," Kenny P has toured with major artists and seen firsthand the dangers of chasing success without purpose. “The world had a stereotype of me because of how I looked—gold in my mouth, chains on my neck,” he shares. “But when I open my mouth, people realize I’m not what they expected. I had to shed my old self, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.” Now, Kenny P is using his platform to reach at-risk youth, proving that change is possible and that faith, not fame, is the ultimate game-changer.

Education, Empowerment, and Elevation

Beyond sports, JKS is deeply involved in education. Minister Chase, co-founder of the league, is also the director of Heritage Montessori School, a family-founded institution that has been serving the community for 25 years. “God positioned me uniquely,” says Chase. “I worked in the culinary industry, serving with my hands. Then, I worked with children, serving with my heart. Now, I serve the community through education and sports.”JKS isn’t just about winning games—it’s about creating a culture of excellence where young people can thrive academically, athletically, and spiritually. Through partnerships with local leaders, including McDonough city officials and community advocates, JKS has been able to provide opportunities and resources to kids who might otherwise be left behind.

The Power of Community: It Takes a Village

One of the driving forces behind Just Kingdom Sports is the belief that true transformation happens through community collaboration. “At first, we thought we had to do it all on our own,” says Coach Neil. “But the truth is, nothing great happens without a village.” From local businesses donating funds and snacks to community leaders like Sandra Vincent providing crucial support, JKS thrives because people believe in its mission. Even the use of local parks and facilities—often costly—has been generously provided, allowing JKS to serve without barriers.

“We’re showing these kids what community really looks like,” says Neil. “Because if we don’t, who will?”

Kingdom Work: A Team Effort

The secret to JKS’s success? Alignment and authority. Minister Chase puts it best: “Many people think they can do Kingdom work alone, but even Jesus had twelve disciples. It takes all of us—mentors, coaches, community leaders—to create lasting change.” That’s the power of Just Kingdom Sports. It’s not about one person, one pastor, or one program—it’s about an entire movement committed to uplifting the next generation. As Henry County becomes a launchpad for this Kingdom-minded initiative, Just Kingdom Sports isn’t just changing the game—it’s changing lives.

Get Involved

Want to support Just Kingdom Sports? Whether as a volunteer, sponsor, or mentor, there’s a place for you in the village.

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