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The Upward Sports Solution

 Upward seeks to strenghten children and families by:

  • Facilitating an atmosphere of sportsmanship by not keeping league standings in any division
  • Allowing the coach to focus on ministering, instead of game strategy, by having a set substitution system where all players are allowed equal playing time and equal opportunity for improvement.
  • Equipping coaches and referees to minister by teaching and encouraging.
  • Maximizing ministry opportunities by exposing players to Scripture-based devotions during each practice and spectators to halftime testimonies each week.
  • Creating opportunities to promote your church ministry activites to participants and families who are not involved in a local church.
  • Providing opportunities to see changed hearts and lives among the children, family members, and volunteers who experience an Upward ministry.

Get in the Game! Start a League Today!

Why Children?

Children are our future.  If the church can get involved with supporting local families in the community, then they can have an impact on that future.

A child’s moral foundation is in place by the age of 12 to 15.  Teaching relevant moral truths in the context of sports will provide a better chance of them being received. 

75% of children have dropped out of organized sports by the age of 13.  Having a sports experience focused on fun and fairness may keep them involved for life


What are these children saying about organized sports?

37% Wished no parents watched them play

41% Indicated that they've awakened in the middle of the night worrying about a game

69% Indicated that they prefer a coach who puts more priority on fun than winning

71% Said it wouldn't matter if no score were kept in the game.

74% Said they had seen out of control parents at their game

75% Have dropped out of organized sports by age 13

Sports Illustrated For Kids magazine
August 2001