Basketball and Cheer

What is Upward Sports?

Upward Sports is an opportunity for kids and their families to participate in an organized sports league in a clean, safe, and family-friendly atmosphere. Leaders and coaches are dedicated to helping develop young athletes spiritually, athletically, mentally and socially. Players and coaches will spend time each week on the court developing their athletic skills, as well as time off court encouraging them in their relationship with God.We’re all about a positive sports experience.

Friendly Environment

where kids can have fun learning how to be a Christian witness

Leadership

are trained coaches and referees who will encourage your child

Christ-Centered

Lessons are shared at each practice and game

League Director Jeff Goodrich is happy to answer any questions you may have. Send him an email!  

Registration

Registration for the 2023 Season opens on September 11th and closes on November 3rd.

REGISTER HEREREGISTER HERE

League Schedule

Mandatory Evaluations – basketball players must attend one of the below sessions. Evaluations for players entering 5th and 6th grade require an appointment. If you’ve registered your player, but are unable to attend an evaluation, a refund of your registration fee will be issued to you, and your child will not be placed on the team roster.

Nov. 4 (Evening) – (5th & 6th Graders)

Nov. 5 (Morning) – (K5 thru 4th Graders)

Nov. 18 (Evening) – (K5 thru 4th Graders)

Nov. 19 (Morning) – (5th & 6th Graders)

Week of January 2, 2023 – Basketball and Cheer Practices Begin.

Basketball Teams practice: one evening/week: Monday, Tuesday, or Friday.

Cheer Team practices: Fridays.

Jan 21, 2023 – Saturday Games Begin
Game Start Times: 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 11 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:30 PM

February 4, 2023 – Picture Day

March 17, 2023 – Basketball and Cheer Year-End Celebration

March 18, 2023 – Final Basketball Game Day

Volunteer Roles

Volunteer coaches and referees are still needed!  See below!

Head Coach

Impact the lives of young athletes by volunteering as a head coach! Use your talents and passion for sport to make sure each player feels welcome, appreciated, inspired, and confident. Be the one to teach young athletes the rules of the game, help them develop new skills through sport-specific drills, and instill a competitive spirit that will prepare them for success in the game, and in life. Don’t worry, Upward Sports will be there with you all along the way and provide all the resources you’ll need to instruct your team and have a lasting impact in their lives.
Time Commitment:
2  hrs/week (1 hour practice; 1 hour game; 30 minutes – 1 hour preparation time)

Referee

Do you have a passion for the sport and have a working knowledge of the rules of the game? If so, use this gift to make an impact in the lives of young athletes as an Upward Sports Referee. Be the one who can make the necessary calls, uphold the integrity of the game, and help athletes improve their understanding of the sport. We need you!
Time Commitment:1 hr/week (normally on Saturdays)

Assistant Coach

Make a difference in the lives of young athletes by helping the head coach teach both athletic skills and values for success. Use this time to see if you might want to be a head coach in the future.
Time Commitment:
2 hr/week (1 hour practice; 1 hour game)

Cheerleading Coach

If you have lots of spirit and love cheering on teams while they play, our league needs you! Make a lasting impact in the lives of our young athletes by volunteering as a cheerleading coach.
Time Commitment:
2 hr/week (1 hr practice; 1 hour game; 30 min -1 hour preparation)

Other ways to volunteer

Prayer Partner
Scorekeeper
Concession
Greeter
Public Announcer

VOLUNTEER TO SERVEVOLUNTEER TO SERVE

What makes Upward Sports different?

 

As your athlete participates in Upward Sports, they will be intentionally taught using a 360 Degree Progression. This focuses on developing a total athlete, who is encouraged mentally, athletically, spiritually, and socially.

Upward Sports follows a unique set of rules designed to promote healthy competition and sportsmanship while promoting the objectives of the game. Read the full set of rules: upward.org/rules

In order for players to develop, repetition is essential. Coaches adhere to a unique participation system for each game that allows all players the opportunity to develop and improve.

At each practice, your player’s coach will share a life lesson with the team that will center on Christlike virtues. Each virtue will reference a corresponding Bible verse like these below.

Respect

“Show proper respect to everyone.”

1 Peter 12:17

Gratitude

“Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Trust

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.”

Proverbs 3:5

Scholarships

In an effort to help reach more children and families in our community for Christ, we have allocated money to an “Upward Scholarship” fund.  The purpose of this scholarship fund is to help families who demonstrate a need for temporary financial assistance in order to participate in the Upward Sports program at Grace Church.

Download Application