About Upward
Upward Mission Statement
Upward is committed to equipping believers to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with unlimited children through sports ministry.
The purpose of Upward Sports Ministries is to fulfill God's vision that He planned long ago by promoting:
· Salvation - To share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone involved in an Upward ministry.
· Character - To help every child grow as Jesus did; spiritually, physically, mentally and socially.
· Self-esteem - To help every child grow in their understanding and enjoyment of sports.
Why Basketball?
- Basketball continues to be America’s most popular team sport having nearly 40 million players nationwide
- More than 7.5 million 6-11 year olds participate in basketball nationally
- 29.2% of basketball players also play soccer
*Source: 2004 Sports Participation in America Report, Sporting Goods Manufacturers Assoc.
Why Is Upward Basketball Different?
Upward Basketball offers a break from the norm. The primary focus of Upward is to develop the winner in EVERY child, not just a few. By keeping this goal in mind, we are able to build a league that promotes salvation, character, and self-esteem in all who participate through:
- Keeping sportsmanship and competitiveness in proper perspective by not maintaining league standings in any division
- Maximizing the family schedule by having only one hour of practice and one game each week
- Equipping coaches and referees to minister by providing extensive teaching tools and resources
- Providing opportunities to promote other church ministries to all participants and their families
- Allowing the coach to focus on ministering to children and their families, instead of game strategy, by having a set substitution system where all players are allowed equal playing time and equal opportunity for improvement.
- Encouraging each player with a game day award following every game
- Maximizing ministry opportunities by exposing players to Scripture-based devotions during each practice and spectators to halftime testimonies each game day.
- Providing opportunities to see changed hearts and lives among children, family members, and volunteers who experience an Upward ministry.
- Building toward a harvest time at Awards Night where participants and parents are given an opportunity to respond to the Gospel.