PICKAWAY – Upward Basketball was founded in 1995 in a church in Spartanburg South Carolina by Caz McCaslin. The league was formed out of a desire for the church to meet the needs of families in the community. Since that time Upward Sports has become the world’s largest youth sports organization. In 2006 the first Upward basketball league in Pickaway County was started by former New Hope Christian School principal Mike Fluhart. then after two years, in 2008, the league changed its leadership. Jason Coyan took the reins of the league serving as league director for 8 years. There have been other changes in leadership over the years however, the league has continued a presence in the community every season since that first one in 2006. The league is proud to see some former Upward Sports of Pickaway County players continue to enjoy the game of basketball in high school and some now playing in college.
The Upward Sports leagues focus on the sports experience and the whole person, the league desires to help participants grow mentally, athletically, spiritually, and socially. The league believes that all children deserve opportunities to be active, learn, and have fun! The sports experience you will find provided by Upward helps participants learn a sport and learn values for life by helping them understand God’s plan for their lives. Upward Sports believes playing a sport is about having fun while learning the fundamentals to gain confidence. Also, playing a sport is about giving your best effort during competition while respecting your opponents, coaches, and officials. At Upward you will find loving coaches who demonstrate care for participants by taking the time to teach beginners and challenge those with experience to reach their full potential. Our coaches are from many different churches in our area and all unite together and understand the bigger picture about how the sport is more than just a game. The goal of Upward is that no matter where you are in life, the league wants to serve you and provide the best experience for you and your family.
Upward Basketball is a great place for an athlete or cheerleader to get their start in organized sports or for those who just want to play for the enjoyment of the sport. Believing that family time is important, Upward tries not to be taxing on a family’s schedule! All games and practices will be on Saturdays at Heritage Nazarene Church 2264 Walnut Creek Pike. Upward is currently registering boys and girls ages 4 to 5th grade for Basketball and Cheerleading. Due to gym constraints space is limited, so sign-up your child early. Upward offers an early bird Special (before November 1st) that will save you $10. Use this link to register your child: https://registration.upward.org/UPW85025
