When it comes to homeschooling, socialization can be an issue. Many homeschoolers will make a point of enrolling their children in extra curricular activities in the community, like sport teams, to give them adequate homeschool socialization.
20 years ago the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championship (NCHC) was founded. The first tournament was played in March of 1992 in San Antonio, TX. Over the past 20 years this homeschool basketball tournament has been held in 5 different locations throughout the US: San Antonio Texas, Santa Fe New Mexico, Estes Park Colorado, Oklahoma City Oklahoma and Springfield Missouri.
By 1998-1999 there were 100 teams participating in the homeschool basketball tournament hosted by the NCHC. In 2009-2010 there were 358 teams. The championship has grown in numbers along with the number of families that are choosing homeschooling as their desired choice for education.
In 2002 the National Tournaments began to expand. With the popularity of homeschool basketball came the desire for other popular sports within the homeschool schedule. Some additional national tournaments started since 2002 for homeschool sports include:
- Track and Field Nationals – started 2002 in Wichita, KS – Moved to Kansas City in 2003
- Boys Soccer – started 2003 in Wichita, KS – Moved to Omaha, NE in 2006 – Moved to Kansas City in 2007
- Cross Country Nationals – started 2007 in Kansas City
- Girls Soccer – started 2007 in Kansas City
- Volleyball – started 2009 in Springfield
- Golf – started 2010 in Springfield
This week March 14-19, 2011 in Springfield, MO the 20th National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championship is taking place. Last year there was a record 358 teams from more than 30 states involved. Follow news stories for up-to-date information about the current tournament. In May the Spring Championships will take place from May 19-21, also in Springfield, MO including athletes in Girls Soccer, Track and Field, and Golf.
For more information about getting your homeschool basketball or other sport team involved visit nchclive.com. There are a number of other homeschool co-ops and associations that are involved in home school sports and organizations in different areas throughout the United States.
For more information about homeschool activities, homeschool socialization and other homeschool information check out our website at letshomeschool.com. Another blog we found with a lot of useful homeschool resources and information is Homeschooling Program.
