Upward Sports Ministry

Upward is an evangelistic sports ministry specifically designed for K5 through eighth grade boys and girls that promotes salvation, character and self-esteem in every child. The Upward program offers basketball, flag football, cheerleading and soccer programs to children in Gainesville. Upward provides chances for all of our members to become meaningfully involved, with the opportunity to pray for the program, coach a team, referee a game, share a devotion and develop relationships in order to open avenues of ministry to the people of our community. For more information, .

Important Dates and Information for Basketball

• The early registration cost per child for basketball is $75
• After October 7, the cost is $90
• The early registration cost per child for cheerleading is $80
• After October 7, the cost is $95
• Deadline for registration is October 21
• Basketball shorts are included in the registration cost
• Please make checks payable to Westside Baptist Church

Contact our staff for scholarship information.

Evaluations & Orientations

Everyone must attend one basketball evaluation or cheerleading orientation. They will take place at the Westside Baptist Church in the Family Life Center as follows:

K5 through 8th Grade Boys/Girls

• Sunday, October 2, 2011, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Monday, October 3, 2011, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 4, 2011, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 7, 2011, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Late Evaluation

• Monday, October 17, 2011, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

League Schedule

Practices

Practices will begin the week of Monday, December 12, Tuesday, December 13, or Thursday, December 15, 2011.

First Game

• Middle Schoolers: Friday, January 6, 2012
• Elementary Age: Saturday, January 7, 2012

Awards Celebration

• K5 through 3rd Grade: Monday, February 20, 2012
• 4th through 8th Grade: Tuesday, February 21, 2012

How do I sign up?

Bring or mail registration form and fee to:

• North Central Baptist Church
  8001 NW 23rd Ave.
  Gainesville, FL 32606
  
• Westside Baptist Church
  10000 W. Newberry Rd.
  Gainesville, FL 32606
  
• Trinity United Methodist Church
  4000 NW 53rd Ave.
  Gainesville, FL 32653

Form and registration fee may be dropped off at any of the churches listed above anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Contact our staff: myupwardinfo@gmail.com or 352-333-7700 ext. 105

Registration Form

Values

The vision and mission of Upward is to introduce children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports.

• The Expectation of God-Moments
  We believe that God is at work all around us.
  Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
• The Life of Integrity
  We believe that how we live is more important than what we say.
  Galatians 2:20 - 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.
• The Discipline of Excellence
  We believe in serving that exceeds expectations.
  Colossians 3:17 - 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.
• The Priority of Children
  We believe that Every Child Is A Winner.
  Matthew 18:14 - In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.