Because our culture has created a "win at all cost" mentality, the most points, the most championships, or the most trophies generally define a winner. However, Upward defines winning as learning and/or teaching lessons in the game of life. Upward is an evangelistic sports ministry designed to promote community outreach, develop volunteer leadership, and share the love of Christ with children and their families, using something as simple as a basketball or soccer ball. Upward promotes salvation, character and self-esteem in every child.

Who Can Play?

Upward Basketball, Soccer, and/or Cheerleading is for boys and girls in Kindergarten - 8th grade.

How Do I Sign Up?

If your child already has a soccer registration form, either drop off your form and registration fee at the church office by May 10 anytime between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday - Friday or mail to:

Locust Grove Baptist Church
171 County Lake Road
New Market, AL 35761

If you do not have a registration form, contact Brenda Bethune at 379-2813 (ext. 15).

2010 Soccer Dates

In Upward, players are divided according to ability to create equal teams. In this league, you won't see one team with all of the best players dominating the others. At evaluations, your child will participate in several drills to obtain an evaluation score.

The results of these drills will make up an overall evaluation score. The purpose of this score is not to determine if your child possesses enough skill to be an asset to the team. This score is used in the draft, so teams are equally skilled. The result is good, healthy competition among children, and a positive experience for all involved.

Every soccer player MUST attend soccer evaluations.

Soccer Evaluations will take place at the Locust Grove Baptist Church Gym as follows:

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade on Monday, May 10 between 6 pm and 7 pm
Grades 3 - 4 on Tuesday, May 11 between 6 pm and 7 pm
Grades 5 - 8 on Thursday, May 13 between 6 pm and 7 pm

2010 Soccer League Schedule:

Practices begin the week of June 28, 2010.
Your games will begin on Saturday, July 31, 2010.
There will be NO GAMES on Saturday, September 4.
Awards Day will be Saturday, September 25, 2010.

2010-11 Basketball Dates

In Upward, players are divided according to ability to create equal teams. In this league, you won't see one team with all of the best players dominating the others. At evaluations, your child will participate in several drills to obtain an evaluation score.

The results of these drills will make up an overall evaluation score. The purpose of this score is not to determine if your child possesses enough skill to be an asset to the team. This score is used in the draft, so teams are equally skilled. The result is good, healthy competition among children, and a positive experience for all involved. Every basketball player MUST attend basketball evaluations.

Basketball Evaluations will take place at the Locust Grove Baptist Church Gym as follows:

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade on Monday, October 11th between 6 pm and 7:30 pm
Grades 3 - 4 on Tuesday, October 12th between 6 pm and 7:30 pm
Grades 5 - 8 on Thursday, October 14nd between 6 pm and 7:30 pm

2010-2011 Basketball League Schedule:

Practices begin the week of November 1, 2010.
Your games will begin on January 8, 2011.
There will not be any games on Saturday, February 19, 2011.
Awards Day will be Saturday, March 5, 2011.

As an Upward Basketball or Soccer Player You Will Enjoy:

• Reversible mesh jersey
• Upward T-Shirt
• Equal playing time for every player
• Individual Award after each game
• Free end-of-the-year award for every player (examples: basketball, backpack, or like item)
• You don't have to be a star to play. (Each player is guaranteed to play at least half of each game.)
• Each player signs up as an individual - not as a group or team.
• A one-hour practice and game each week starting after evaluations

As an Upward Cheerleader You Will Enjoy:

• Poms
• Upward Cheerleading Top
• Upward Cheer Skort
• Individual award after each game and practice
• Ten assorted face decals
• Free end-of-the-year award (examples: basketball, backpack, or like item)
• Each player signs up as an individual - not as a group or team
• A one-hour practice and game each week starting after evaluations

For more information or to receive a free brochure, contact Brenda Bethune at 256-379-2813 (ext. 15) or go to our Contact page on the website and request additional information. The early registration cost per child is $65 for basketball or cheerleading. Basketball shorts are optional at a cost of $15. Cheerleading skorts are included in the registration cost. Mock Turtlenecks for cheerleading are optional at a cost of $15. The early registration deadline for basketball is October 14, 2010. The cost will be $75 after this date. The deadline for registration is October 21, 2010.