Tennis
As a training participant at U-TURN I have grown spiritually, mentally and physically. U-TURN has helped me in many ways, one being all the Bible studies we sat down to after every lesson. Paul and Dilshani (U-TURN's tennis staff) have been there to guide me and tell me what to watch out for and how to avoid temptations. That helped me tremendously in the past school year.
Also being with them on the tennis court has been a blessing. Both of them have taught me not only how to play the game of tennis but also how to play smart.
Coming to U-TURN in general has been an amazing experience for me throughout the last three years. Coming here and seeing so many Christians working together, playing sports and having fun has been amazing. I have definitely grown closer in my walk with Jesus Christ while being here.
Basketball
I came to U-TURN in my 8th grade year of 2003. I had never really played basketball, and at the time called myself a Christian without fully grasping the whole idea. I began playing AAU basketball and started participating in U-TURN's next level training. My game changed completely. In less than a year I had seen my game improve to a totally new level because of my training at U-TURN.
Off the court I had completely changed as well. Within my first month at U-TURN I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I realized that God has blessed me with the ability to play basketball and that is how I can bring Him glory and honor. I also put myself in a Christian environment that has had an incredible affect on my life. The people I have met; the coaches, friends and teammates have brought me closer to God with each passing day. The lessons I have learned not only help on the court, but are things that I use in everyday life and I always will.
God placed U-TURN into my life to show me the truth. I am so blessed to have a place like U-TURN, it has helped me so much in my game and life in general. I will never forget the things I've learned and friends I've made. They are a true blessing. I constantly praise God for using U-TURN to show me the way, the truth and the light.
Jay Jones (Former AAU Coach of 2005 Boys U15 Team)
I have been coaching for more than 10 years at the recreation, high school and AAU levels. This was my first year, however, at U-TURN.
What impressed me most about U-TURN is the fact that it is a ministry first. It is not lip service, it's fact. We even had a weekly Coaches Bible Study. Every practice this season began with Bible Study. As a result of this, eight of our team players confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives. This is the accomplishment that I am most proud of this AAU season, despite our 36-15 record, five tournament championships and two National Championship berths.
At U-TURN, it is stressed that athletics, championships and accolades will pass away, but matters of the soul will last for an eternity. Ultimately, salvation is all that really matters.
The sports ministry of U-TURN teaches student-athletes to be morally pure and to be leaders and not followers. It has been a sheer joy and an honor to be a part of this ministry.
Talmech Williams (U-TURN's Director of Football)
It has been my complete pleasure to serve as Director of Football for U-TURN Sports Performance Academy. Besides the fact that I absolutely love training athletes, this particular opportunity has allowed me to play a role in bringing young people to the knowledge of Christ. Thru U-TURN, I have been able to be an instrument of change in the lives of the young men i have trained and coached thus far. I get feedback from parents constantly about the positive changes they see in their sons as a result of the time they have spent at U-TURN. Things like, "he is so much more focused on his future than before," or "he initiates bible study with me now!"
Personally my time at U-TURN has helped me in my transformation as well. I find that I am a kinder, calmer coach, who according to my players, is now more of a teacher and less of a yeller. I have discovered a greater sense of tranquility in my life as my studies of God's Word has increased. I also seem to have more clarity about what God's plan for me is, and that is a wonderful feeling. I am proud of the leadership skills I see in my players as they are looking forward to getting back to TJ and starting their Fellowship of Christian Athletes Chapter. I have long searched for a ministry to help young people come into their own through Christ, I can say now that I have found that ministry and it's name is U-TURN.
I would like to share some of my experiences and feelings about U-TURN. I am a retired police officer and Detective and father of four daughters, ranging in age from 6 to 14 years old. I was saved as a small child and there is nothing more important to me than to raise my children to be true believers in the Lord Jesus. U-TURN is a vital factor in my children's lives both athletically and spiritually.
My two oldest daughters, Jordan and Tracy, began attending U-TURN for basketball training about six years ago. Prior to that time, I had never heard of an organization based on Christian beliefs providing both athletic and Biblical training. My family, as well as many others have been greatly blessed by the vision that Paul Manning had in the creation of U-TURN. I believe that it is a ministry that the Lord called Paul for and I am grateful that Paul obeyed the calling. U-TURN ministers to both the saved and unsaved.
I think that the level and quality of training that U-TURN offers is unmatched. U-TURN is striving to make a difference in our children's lives and they have done that. U-TURN is concerned about our children's future; their future as adults and more importantly their eternal future as well.
My wife and I thank God for Paul Manning, Michael Davis, Brigid Blair and all the U-TURN staff for being great Christian role models as well as being truly dedicated to this fruitful ministry.
My daughters have not only greatly benefited from the U-TURN training, but they enjoy it and always look forward to their training at U-TURN. This summer my two youngest daughters, Robin and Kerry began their training in basketball and they both love it too.
I pray for the U-TURN staff and the continued success of the organization. I hope that the Lord blesses all of their tireless efforts and that He will persistently keep them in His favor.
When I brought my daughters to U-TURN for basketball training three and a half years ago I really had no idea what it was all about. We thought it was just a training facility. But to my great joy, it was so much more. We found a great Christian ministry! The love for God and family has brought such great pleasure to my daughters, my husband and myself. The daily devotions held at each practice and training session has had a huge impact on our lives.
When I talk to others about U-TURN, I let them know that the program is such a good balance of God, love, family and sports.
We cannot express enough gratitude to Paul Manning for his insight, Mike Davis for his love, support, and coaching ability, and the rest of the staff for all they provide.
Our association with U-TURN has truly brought us close to God! Thank you all so much!
Karen has three daughters that have trained at U-TURN. Her youngest, Emily, was featured in the march edition of the Plumb Line and was the starting point guard for the U15 girls at the AAU National Championships in Tennessee.