Upward Basketball
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
Why Upward Basketball?
*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 gameday award following every game
*Maximizing ministry opportunities by exposing players to Scripture-based devotions during each practice and spectators to halftime testimonies each gameday.
*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.
