ParentLife Blog

Upward Sports -- Winners for a Lifetime

Our September 2009 issue of ParentLife initially included an article featuring Upward™ Sports. However, due to a need to create advertising space, we had to pull the article at the last minute. In the process of trying to meet the fast-approaching deadline, we failed to remove the mention of the Upward Sports article on the cover and the Table of Contents. We apologize for the confusion this created!

We are thrilled to be publishing the article on the blog today!

If you combine the ever-growing obesity crisis among children in the United States and the win-at-all-costs mentality that most children are exposed to, it is easy to lose hope in a child’s desire to participate in sports. However, there is an option that keeps kids active through instructional practices and games that ultimately can improve a child’s overall physical health. This same opportunity provides a fun, positive atmosphere for children to grow in a sport they love while also learning about Jesus Christ. Specifically designed for K5 through 6th grade boys and girls, Upward sports leagues provide children in this country, and around the world, with this unique sports experience.

Intense Competition
Everyone agrees that sports and physical activity are good for children. However, instead of being an enjoyable, healthy activity, organized sports can become a dreaded, stress-filled experience for children. This can be the result of an overemphasis on winning, age-inappropriate expectations, excessive criticism, inappropriate use of discipline, rejection, disapproval of skill level and performance, lack of support for effort and achievement, and use of coarse language. Unfortunately, these conditions are too common in many of today’s children’s sports leagues.

Giving children the opportunity to learn and grow through participating in games they love is one of the most rewarding aspects of conducting a league. Unlike traditional sports programs, Upward programs are structured so children participate in practices and games without league standings. Characteristics such as sportsmanship, kindness, and character are valued as winning qualities. Coaches primarily focus on ministering to children and their families instead of game strategy. Teams are arranged in a substitution system where all players are allowed equal playing time and equal opportunity for improvement. In Upward Basketball, churches are trained to give every child a chance to play at least half of the game and an opportunity to be in the starting lineup. In Upward Cheerleading, squads do not use negative language in the cheers but cheer for both teams.

To further the “Every Child Is a Winner” philosophy, Upward coaches encourage each player with a game-day star award following each game that builds self-esteem and team spirit. Additionally, instead of focusing on a win/lose strategy, importance is shifted to the attitudes and efforts of each child on the team.

Upward also operates on a one practice, one game a week agenda in an effort to maximize the family schedule, allowing participants to spend more time tending to other family activities. When a new league is formed, Upward provides coaches and volunteers with skills, drills, and practice outlines. Coaches also are prepared with guides containing a Scripture learning verse and devotions for practices and games. In addition, the referee will lead all sports teams in prayer in the center of the field or court at the beginning of each game. 

For a pdf of the full version of this article, click here: UpwardArticle.pdf

Has your child participated in Upward Sports? Tell us and other ParentLife readers about it by leaving us a comment.