Upward Sports

It is probably safe to say that we have all been in a gym or on a field and overheard someone say, “Man, that kid’s got it. You can just see the desire in them. They stand out among all others. Now there’s a winner.” It is moments like these that beg the question “Is having a strong, athletic ability the only quality you need to be a winner?”

One of my son’s worst game experiences came while playing basketball.  His team lost 54-4 and his coach told the team he was embarrassed by their performance. Despite the fact that the other team’s players were nearly a foot taller and the teams were clearly not created fairly, my second grader and his teammates walked away feeling they were losers.  Should they be described or see themselves as losers? No way! So, what is the definition of a “winner”? Let’s break it down into two important components. First, God created us in His own image. He has developed us exactly how He wants and needs us to be. Because we were created to reflect Him, we are all winners. Second, winning is learning and/or teaching lessons in the game of life. You could lose every game, but if you walk away from each game having learned something, then that makes you a winner.

Winning is not based on the score of a game but on what you take away from it.

In Upward sports, we believe Every Child Is A Winner. We emphasize the word IS not because every child might be a winner, or every child could be a winner, or every child has the potential to be a winner. Every Child Is A Winner, because God created them in His image and every Upward experience presents the opportunity to learn something.

Unfortunately, as you well know, many of today’s children don’t realize they are winners. As parents, coaches, league directors – we have the opportunity to let impressionable children know and personally experience that Every Child Is a Winner! Come join us and help our community children come to know that Every Child IS a Winner!

What is Upward Sports?
Upward seeks to develop the self-esteem of each participant, while teaching respect for authority, sportsmanship, character, and fundamental skills of basketball, cheerleading, soccer and flag football. One of the purposes of Upward is to share the love of Jesus Christ with each player, coach, official, and family.  Upward teaches children, parents and coaches that Every Child is a Winner!

What is the Purpose of Upward?
The purpose of Upward is to recognize that Every Child Is A Winner 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 Upward Sports?
Upward sports offer 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:

• 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.

Currently at First Baptist Church on the Square, we are offering Upward Basketball with Cheerleading, Soccer and Flag Football.  Signups are held seasonally.  Click on the links to each sport to learn all about this exciting new ministry to our church and community!