Upward is an evangelistic sports ministry specifically designed for kindergarten through sixth grade boys and girls that promotes salvation, character, and self-esteem in every child.

Mission Statement:  To introduce children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports.

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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, our league promotes salvation, character and self-esteem in all who participate by...

SALVATION

Equipping coaches and referees to minister by providing extensive teaching tools and resources.

Players and coaches discuss scripture-based devotions during each practice.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Keeping sportsmanship and competitiveness in proper perspective by not maintaining standings in any division.

CHARACTER

Having a set substitution system where all players are allowed equal playing time and equal opportunity for improvement.

Maximizing the family schedule by having only one hour of practice and one game each week.

SELF-ESTEEM

Encouraging each player with a game-day award following every game.

Having an Upward Awards Night Celebration to recognize all involved.

Download Brochure / Registration Form

Email Leah Ann Self with questions.

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During the season this year, we are incorporating a mission project.  You may have heard about it or seen the information from Evaluation Night.  We are encouraging teams to raise money to purchase insecticide treated bed nets for families in Africa to protect them from the deadly disease of malaria.

Here’s how it will work:

1. The team that collects the most money will win a pizza party to be awarded at their last practice of the season.
2. Tracking of donations:
• Money can be turned in at the greeting table on practice nights or game days.
• Fill out a Megaphone or Basketball cut-outs and place in the basket. 
• Tracking of donations will be done via the mega phone or basketball cut-outs.
• Donations of all amounts will be accepted.  Tracking for teams will be done on a per net basis.  (Nets are $10.)
• It is important the team name is on the cut-out as this will be our only means to track money per team.
• You will receive updates via the weekly coach’s email on how the teams are doing in the competition. 
3. COACHES and TEAM PARENT - Encourage your team to participate. 
• Set a goal of nets for your team to reach.
• Keep the players and family informed of how your team is doing through out the season.
• Encourage players to work odd jobs for extra donations from family members or neighbors.
• Communication is the key to the success of this project as well as your basketball/cheer season.
4. Completed megaphone/basketball cut-outs will be placed on the gym walls during the season to show our progress.
5. There will be a net-o-meter placed in the gym or at the greeters table (as well as on our website homepage) that shows how many nets overall we have reached towards our goal of 1000 nets

Official Website

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Pray for 100 days.  You will receive a specific list to follow as we pray for God’s will in this incredible ministry.  Prayer is the only way this season will be successful!

Want to be a prayer partner? Please contact Leah Ann Self with your name, address, e-mail, and phone #.

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Upward Official Website

Nothing But Nets Official Website

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Emmanuel Children's Director
Leah Ann Self
e-mail