A Sports League That Champions The Little Guy
Our society’s sports mentality is harmful to kids. At least that is the thinking of Upward, a youth sports league who is providing a healthy alternative to “win at all costs” sport leagues. Instead of promoting trash talking, on field fights and other disruptive behavior, Upward provides a healthy sporting experience for kids from K5 through sixth grade.
Process and Outcome
Children learn sporting skills through Upward, a Christian based league that teaches flag football, soccer, basketball and cheerleading to participants.
“Upward teaches both athletic skills and values for success on and off the playing field-including sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity and respect for authority,” said Upward President Caz McCaslin. “Offering a “frazzle-free” sports experience for families by minimizing the weekly time commitment, Upward creates a convenient, family-friendly atmosphere.”
Healthy Competition, Positive Sports Environment
Upward believes in focusing on healthy competition and a positive sports environment that builds strong self-confidence by equipping churches with everything needed to run a competitive, yet fun sports program for children K5 – sixth grade. Each year, more than one million people from 46 states and four countries play, coach, referee or volunteer in Upward sports league.
Upward does its part to help participants avoid player and parent burnout, by limiting time commitments to one practice and one game per week. Other distinctive aspects of Upward sports leagues include:
- Unique substitution systems that guarantee every child equal playing time
- Skills evaluations for players-prior to team selection-that ensure balanced, competitive teams
- Supportive coaches that bring out the “winner” in every child, regardless of the game’s score
Is your church interested in finding out more about Upward? Click here.
Photo courtesy of Upward
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Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" | August 27th, 2009 at 3:49 am #
This does sound like a good program. Our church looked into it but it seemed a bit costly for the church (we weren’t big on charging families to participate).
Karen, author of “My Funny Dad, Harry”´s last blog ..Hurry Up And Wait–Bring A Book Along!
Matt | August 27th, 2009 at 4:28 am #
Karen, in your church’s case I guess you saw it as a ministry opportunity above all else. Yes, it does cost to put these programs in place and unless you plan on passing the cost to families, then the local body must absorb everything. Which can get expensive.
Shinade aka Jackie | August 27th, 2009 at 4:11 pm #
What a wonderful project and opportunity for these children. I am sure that many come from single parent families and also profit greatly simply by having positive male role models.
I know my 2 oldest grandsons, both excellent swimmers, have been very blessed to take part in the YMCA since they were only weeks old.
But, even there, as they have grown older, and both are very good swimmers, the pressure to join the league and swim competitively actually led the younger of the 2 to quit.
The 16 year old does swim on league and loves it. But, he also has plans of joining the Cost Guard after college in hopes of becoming a rescue swimmer.
I have never heard of this program and must say I commend you for being a part of it and I am thankful that you shred this with us here on this post.
My grandchildren have been very blessed that their parents can afford to send them to really nice camps each year. I wish all children were this fortunate.
Once again thanks for sharing this with all of us. It sounds like a wonderful program.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Jackie
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Matt | August 28th, 2009 at 7:35 am #
Hi Jackie,
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. You certainly have spotlighted how children view sports — heavy duty competition is a turn off for a lot of kids, therefore a program like Upward is certainly a nice alternative.
FYI, I’m not involved in the program. One of my sons participates in a local soccer league that has been around for 35 years. Like, Upward they don’t go crazy with pushing the kids too much. We have a practice during the week and a game on Saturdays. That’s it. Still, I like the sound of Upward and will check locally to see which churches are involved.
Upward can be a terrific ministry opportunity, especially to mothers who are parenting children without fathers present. What a sad place for kids to be today, but Upward gives churches the chance to reach out and help others.
Blessings,
Matt
Tony Kummer | October 5th, 2009 at 4:41 pm #
Matt,
We’ve been doing Upward Soccer at our church for 4 years and it’s been really great!
Tony Kummer´s last blog ..Ten Adorable Kids Bible Costumes
Matt | October 6th, 2009 at 5:51 am #
That’s wonderful, Tony! I haven’t heard all that much about “Upward” beyond what I shared, so it is good to hear of an example of the program operating at the local church level.