What People Are Saying About Upward Sports

Visit www.facebook.com/upwardsports for other comments and thoughts from Upward Sports parents, athletes, coaches and other volunteers.

“Upward Basketball was the highlight of my life.  I started playing basketball for Upward when I was 5 years old.  I didn’t miss a game or practice for seven years.  My Upward coaches were always supportive and friendly.”

—J. Boswell, Former Upward Sports Player

Parents
“My son has grown each year through his participation with Upward flag football and Upward basketball.  His skills are improving as well as his sportsmanship.  We were not getting that in other leagues.”

J. Bishop
Boiling Springs, S.C.

“I really liked the one-day-a-week practice schedule and one-game-on-Saturday for the simple reason that we could fit it in easily and know that the atmosphere of coaches and parents would be about participation and learning, not just about winning.”

            T. Tatum
                                    Birmingham, Ala.

“This is a really good program, it’s not just about basketball or winning.  They teach the kids values and good sportsmanship.  I’m not a member of this church, and I have no problem with it. ”

B. Fehr
Baton Rogue, La.

 Coaches & Volunteers

"Although I am of a different faith, I still volunteer as a coach.  I feel that Upward motivates children that might not otherwise play a sport, and it is wonderful for coaches and parents that all players are treated fairly and play equal time."

R. Bhardwaj
Harrisburg, N.C.

“The goal [of Upward] is that every child gets the same play time.  You’re never going to get better unless you practice.”

T. St. Cin
Flint, Mich.

“I have been involved in youth athletics as a player, coach, administrator, official, etc. my entire life and Upward is the best organization I have ever been associated with.”

                                  Coach
                                  Grayson, Ky.

“[Upward has] made a tremendous change in my life and also in my team’s lives.  It’s amazing what having fun can do.”

Volunteer

Church Partners

“Upward soccer is the biggest winner I’ve found in children’s ministry. To be fair, it will take some hard work. . .It will take a fresh crusade of volunteer recruitment. . . But when you see the crowds of children and parents, you’ll know it was worth it.”

T. Kummer
Madison, In.

“I’ve seen changes each year in the children who participate in the program.  Their attitudes change, their playing development improves and their temperament to other players and family members matures and strengthens.”

K. Wilkerson
Baton Rouge, La.

“The Upward program is the complete package—from quality products to the rewarding experience of everyone who participates.” 

K. Hicks
San Antonio, Texas

“Upward seeks to help children grow not only as an athlete but emotionally, mentally, socially, physically and spiritually.  The program also allows players to feel like they made a significant contribution to their team.”

D. Downing
Marietta, Ga.