Upward Sports Ministry

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

Every child plays. Every child learns. Every child is a winner.

What is Upward?

Upward is a parachurch organization which currently partners with churches in over 40 denominations to share the gospel with children and their families. Upward is a fun, reliable, passionate and encouraging sports experience for boys and girls, in K5 through sixth grade. Upward provides first class, organized and detailed sports programming in basketball, soccer, flag football and cheerleading.

How do I enroll my child or become involved?

Registration and evaluation for our Upward Basketball and Cheerleading program is Saturday, January 21th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Saturday, January 28th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Red Oak Family Life Center. Children who are in 1st through 6th grade may participate. The cost is $60 per child (early registration prior to January 28); after January 28, the cost is $65). Practices will begin in mid February, and the first game is scheduled for Saturday, March 3rd, 2012. All games will be played in the Red Oak UMC FLC/Gym.

The last day to register in February 1, 2012.

Who do I contact?

Red Oak UMC church office at (770) 474-8863 or Patricia Carreker at (770) 598-7506

General League Information:

Evaluations and Orientations:

Everyone must attend one basketball evaluation or cheerleading orientation.

Saturday, January 21, 2:00 -4:00 pm and Saturday, January 28, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

League Schedule:

Practices Begin - Tuesday, February 21, 2012

First Game - Saturday, March 3, 2012

Awards Celebration - Saturday, May 5, 2012

Volunteers are needed in the following areas, please email Patricia Carreker at carreker64@gmail.com or at (770) 598-7506, if you're interested.

Hea;d Coach/Assistant Coach : Your time commitment will be two hours per week - 1 hour practice, 1 hour game. You will need to attend the Coaches Training Conference, at least one Player Evaulation Day and the Awards Celebration. Your responsibilities may include general coaching responsibilities, practice devotions (provided by Upward) and refereeing (if needed). You will need to submit a completed Coach/Referee Application.

Referee: Your time commitment may vary, based upon your availability. You may referee one game per Saturday or multiple games one Saturday out of the season. Your availability should be discussed with the Referee Commissioner. You will need to attend the Referee Training Confereence and the Awards Celebration, and be available to attend at least one Player Evaulation Day. Your responsibilities may include general Upward refereeing responsibilities and gathering coaches and players midfield for encouragement and prayer before play. you will need to submit a completed Coach/Referee Application.

Prayer Team Member : Your time commitment and responsibility is 100 days of daily prayer for the season and the needs of the players and families, starting shortly after the player evaulations. You will need to attend the Prayer Partner Meeting at the start of the 100 days of prayer and plan to attend the Awards Celebration.

Half-time Testimony Leader : Your time commitment will be half-time at one game on one Saturday during the 8-week season. You may commit to more, if you would like. Your responsibility will be to provide a brief testimony or devotion during the half-time at one of the games.

Concession worker & field maintenance

To learn more about Upward, visit Upward.org.