About Upward Sports

Upward Sports helps church leaders leverage the power of sports to connect with families in their community. Our mission is promoting the discovery of Jesus through sports.

Since 1995, millions of young athletes across the United States have participated in sports programs run by churches using Upward Sports as a strategy to impact their communities.

Our Purpose – to provide the best sports experience for every child.

Our Mission – Promote the discovery of Jesus through sports.

Our Values:

The Expectation of God Moments
We believe that God is at work all around us.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10

The Life of Integrity
We believe that how we live is more important than what we say.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

The Opportunity to Serve
We believe that it is a privilege to serve others.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45

The Discipline of Excellence
We believe in exceeding expectations.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed; do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17

The Priority of Children
We believe that every child is a winner.
In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost. – Matthew 18:14

360 Progression – Upward Sports is the only youth sports provider that develops the total athlete in the following four areas: (M.A.S.S) mentally, athletically, spiritually and socially. This is based on Luke 2:52 which says “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man”.

M.A.S.S.

• MENTALLY – Make wise decisions
• ATHLETICALLY – Improve physical abilities
• SPIRITUALLY – Embrace life’s purpose
• SOCIALLY – Foster healthy relationships

DISCOVERY: K – 6th Grade

• Learn Right from Wrong Discover:  Rules, objectives, and a love for the game
• Get in the Game Introduce:  Skills to play the game
• Discover Your Life’s Purpose:  Understand Christ’s plan and your part in it
• Connect with Teammates:  Play with peers and begin new relationships

DEVELOPMENT: 2nd – 8th Grade

• Play Smart:  Make strategic game decisions and learn from outcomes
• Take it to the Next Level:  Push skills up a notch, discovering strengths and weaknesses
• Seek Your Calling:  Start where you are today and grow with experience
• See Value in Our Differences:  Compliment your teammates’ strengths with your own

PERFORMANCE: 4th – 10th Grade

• Choose the Path to Victory:  Play intentionally, act wisely, and master your game
• Play Hard and Don’t Turn Back:  Play to your strengths, compete fiercely, and own the game
• Live Out God’s Plan with Conviction:  Serve others and model character
• Recognize True Friendships:  Putting other’s needs above your own