Alto church aims to close youth sports gap with new fields, gym project

ALTO, Ga. — For many families in the southern end of Habersham County, youth sports can be out of reach — not because of interest, but because of distance.

Leaders at The River Church in Alto are working to change that by transforming more than 30 acres behind their campus into a youth sports and recreation complex designed to serve families who often lack nearby options.

Deborah Roach said the need is especially evident among working-class families the church serves, many of whom face challenges getting children to programs in Clarkesville.

“Our church serves a lot of single families — single moms, single dads,” Roach said. “We have a lot of people here in the community that are working class. This is a very underserved area, and for them to transport their kids up to Clarkesville for recreation is not feasible.”

“So we just know this is a way for us to connect with them,” she said.

The project builds on a long-term plan for the church’s property, which spans more than 30 acres and extends to Smokey Street.

“Well, we have a land plan,” Roach said. “We have a land plan that involves two multi-purpose fields, a gymnasium. I want a bike trail around the property.”

The vision goes beyond organized sports, with an emphasis on accessibility and community use.

“We need a place where kids that are in cross country can run safely,” she said. “We need a place where families can teach their children how to ride bicycles — a place we’d like to pave so that if a person’s on a walker, they could use that if they’re trying to get back into movement.”

“There’s nothing down here in the south end of the county for our community,” she added.

The idea for expanding the church’s recreational offerings grew out of youth camps already held on the property.

The church currently has a basketball court — built in part through grant funding — where it has hosted Upward basketball and cheerleading camps, drawing dozens of children.

“We’ve already had Upward basketball camp and cheerleading camp there,” Roach said. “Forty to 50 — I don’t know how many kids ended up being there. It was quite a few.”

A soccer camp held on the grounds just before the COVID-19 pandemic also demonstrated demand, though momentum slowed during that period.

“We did a soccer camp … I think it was right before COVID hit,” she said. “So it kind of shut us down for a while. So yeah, getting this field up and running, we can touch more lives quicker.”

Plans for the expanded complex include two multi-purpose fields, a walking and bike trail, and a gymnasium with a full basketball court, seating and classroom space.

“To have a gymnasium with a full court and seating — that’s a nice area,” Roach said. “It’ll be on two levels, with the gym floor in the back and classrooms as part of the building.”

Church leaders say the effort is rooted in long-standing outreach work that has connected them with families facing economic hardship across the area.

“Parents are so overwhelmed with just trying to meet the daily needs,” Roach said. “They’re trying to keep them fed and a roof over their heads.”

Through ministries such as “His Heart, Our Hands” and partnerships with groups like Sleep in Heavenly Peace, the church has provided beds, furniture and household items to families in need.

Those relationships have helped shape the church’s approach to outreach — and now, its expansion into youth sports.

“It’s a hook,” Roach said. “Our bottom line is, we’re all about sharing Christ with people. That’s our goal.”

“I’m not even into sports myself,” she added. “But I’m into reaching families and meeting a need inside the families.”

The first phase of that effort is already taking shape.

Online registration for the church’s youth soccer program will open May 5 through Upward Sports, with teams planned across four age groups ranging from 4 to 17.

Roach said the church hopes to field multiple teams in each division. Registration is $95 per child and includes a jersey and ball, with discounts available for families with multiple children.

Evaluations are scheduled for Aug. 22, with practices expected to be held one night per week and games played on Saturdays.

“The way it works, they recommend one night a week for practice, and all the games are on Saturday,” Roach said.

Work on the first field is underway, though recent rain has slowed progress. Roach said the church is working to install sod and hopes the field will be ready for use within several weeks.

“If the rain cooperates, there should be something on that field by the middle of next week,” she said. “With sod, they can be on it in six weeks.”

Roach said additional resources are still needed to support the project, including seating, fencing and field materials.

“I need bleachers … we’re going to need a fence around this thing,” she said.

Despite that, she said the focus remains on building relationships through action.

“Our church is families experiencing God together,” Roach said. “People have to belong before they believe. If they feel a sense of belonging — with their team, with their coaches — it gives us the opportunity to speak into their lives.”

For more information about the project or to support the effort, contact Deborah Roach at [email protected]. Registration for the fall soccer program is available at https://registration.upward.org/UPW90652.