Imago Dei S.C. · Global Outreach
Young Missions
Incentive
Sending student athletes into the world — sharing faith, building community, and competing with conviction on the international stage.
The Vision
Sport as a Bridge to the World
Imago Dei S.C. serves as a bridge — welcoming international student athletes pursuing an American education and competing in American athletics, while simultaneously sending our American student athletes into the world. These missions trips are the heartbeat of that exchange: a chance to travel internationally, share their faith through the game they love, and leave a lasting mark on communities around the globe.
During the day, our athletes host free basketball camps for local youth. In the evening, they compete at the high school or professional level against local teams — creating a full-circle experience of service and competition.
Why It Matters — The Research
94%
of adult missionaries say their faith was shaped before age 18
— Barna Group
75%
of youth who go on mission trips report a stronger sense of purpose
— Fuller Youth Institute
83%
of short-term missionaries show increased compassion for others long-term
— Journal of Youth Ministry
2x
more likely to remain active in faith as adults vs. peers who did not go
— Barna Research
How It Works
Global Perspective
Student athletes who travel internationally develop empathy, cultural intelligence, and a worldview that extends far beyond their hometown — qualities that make them better teammates, leaders, and human beings.
Faith Through Sport
Basketball is a universal language. By sharing their faith through the game they love, our athletes experience the gospel in action — serving, competing, and connecting with communities across the globe.
Daytime Camps
Each morning our athletes host free basketball camps for local youth — teaching fundamentals, teamwork, and character to hundreds of kids who rarely get access to high-level coaching.
Evening Competition
Each evening the team competes at the HS or Pro level against local clubs — giving international athletes a taste of American-style play and our athletes an unforgettable competitive experience.
Ministry Partner
News Release Basketball
Imago Dei S.C. is proud to partner with News Release Basketball — an international ministry that uses basketball to share God's love and the good news of salvation through Jesus. Together, we are sending athletes into the world with both a ball and a purpose.
Visit NR Basketball
Zambia, Africa · Summer 2024
Colorado Hoopers Mission Trip
Imago Dei Pro athletes traveled to Zambia with News Release Basketball — hosting camps, competing against local pros, and sharing their faith with hundreds of youth.
Zambia Basketball Tour — Colorado Hoopers visit Zambia, Africa · Summer 2024
Team moments — community, brotherhood, and safari in Zambia
Daytime youth camp — over 100 local players trained each day
Evening game — News Release Basketball vs. local Zambian pro club
Skills camp group photo — hundreds of Zambian youth received free coaching
After-school elementary school visit — sharing the love of the game
Give · Support Our Athletes
Sponsor Our Athletes for Life-Changing Missions
Empower the Next Generation Through Sport and Service
At Imago Dei S.C., our athletes aren't just players — they're ambassadors of faith, virtue, and hope. Through YoungMissions, we send young athletes on short-term mission trips where they use basketball and sport to build relationships, share the Gospel, lead clinics, and serve communities in need. These trips combine athletic skill with discipleship, creating opportunities for evangelism, leadership training, and lasting impact.
Equip Ambassadors
Your support equips athletes to lead sports-based outreach — clinics, tournaments, coaching sessions — that open doors to share Christ's love in hard-to-reach places.
Grow in Faith
Participants grow in faith, resilience, and humility while mentoring youth abroad and returning to inspire their teammates and club.
Sport as Divine Gift
Trips align with our core belief: sport is a divine gift for forming virtuous, faithful individuals.
Typical Cost Per Athlete (1–3 Week Trip)
Travel, visas & insurance
$800–$1,500
Accommodation, meals & local transport
$500–$1,000
Program fees, equipment & ministry materials
$300–$1,000
Total per athlete
$1,500–$3,500
Full Athlete Sponsorship
$1,500–$3,500Cover one player's entire trip. Receive personalized updates, photos, a post-trip video/report, and a thank-you letter from the athlete.
Partial or Group Sponsorship
$50–$500+Give any amount to our YoungMissions fund, helping multiple athletes participate. Ideal for families, teams, or churches.
Corporate or Team Sponsorship
CustomSponsor a squad for a branded mission experience — perfect for CSR, team-building, and showcasing faith-through-sport.
Give · Education Fund
Sponsor International Students' Education
Invest in Future Leaders Through Education and Opportunity
Imago Dei S.C. supports promising international students — often from partner communities in Zambia and beyond — who embody the same values of discipline, character, and faith we instill in our athletes. Sponsorship helps cover university tuition, accommodation, and essentials, empowering these students to break cycles of poverty, lead their communities, and live out their God-given potential.
Transform Communities
Education transforms lives — graduates become teachers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and faithful servants in their communities.
Holistic Support
Many sponsored students come from vulnerable backgrounds, mirroring the whole-person support we provide our own athletes.
Kingdom Impact
Your partnership forms resilient, virtuous individuals who use their gifts for God's glory — extending the Imago Dei mission globally.
Example: Bachelor's Degree at Cavendish University Zambia
Business Administration · 4 Years
Tuition per semester
~$626 USD
Accommodation per semester
~$104 USD
One-time application fee
~$20 USD
Total estimated (4 years)
$5,000–$7,000+
Scholarships and discounts often available. Costs vary by program.
Full Degree Sponsorship
$5,000–$7,000Commit to one student's full program (or annual installments). Receive student profiles, acceptance letters, semester updates, photos, and progress reports.
Partial Sponsorship
$600–$1,000 / semesterSupport specific semesters or contribute to a general fund for multiple students. Flexible for individuals, families, or groups.
Named Scholarship or Partnership
CustomBusinesses, churches, or alumni can create a scholarship in their name — supporting students in fields aligned with leadership and service.
"
The court becomes a pulpit, the game becomes a testimony, and every young athlete becomes a missionary — sharing hope in the language the whole world speaks.
Imago Dei S.C. · Young Missions Incentive
Send Your Athlete Into the World
Contact us to learn more about upcoming missions trips and how your family can be part of this life-changing experience.