Upward Basketball-Salem, Oregon

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Salem, OR
Upward Basketball-Salem, Oregon

Upward Basketball is a uniquely designed program that seeks to develop the total athlete mentally, athletically, spiritually and socially.

Our hope is to teach every child about Jesus Christ and basketball. We provide the best basketball experience around from our full reversible uniforms, to the player introductions, to the coaches and referees; it is a wonderful experience for the players and their families! This page is for pictures, notifications of big events, and encouragement. Please direct any special concerns or requests to [email protected]

02/03/2026

If you missed picture day, or if you aren’t 100% satisfied with your child's photos when you receive them, individual retakes are February 14th, from 10am-2pm at Salem First Baptist. Just swing by and we'll take care of you. Follow the signs to room number 420!

Jeff Poush
Director, Upward Basketball

01/26/2026

Picture Day is THIS WEEKEND! The process will be extremely simple this year:

1. Check with your coach for the time and location of your photos (some have chosen a Thursday or Friday option)
2. Show up when and where your coach tells you…on time, please!
3. Have your child wear the yellow jersey for the photos.
4. Your child will have a team photo and two individual poses taken.
5. On Wednesday, 2/4, you will receive a text and an email with a link to view your child's photos. You will be given options to place an order if you'd like!
6. All orders will be mailed directly to the address you provide during the ordering process.

01/24/2026

Received from an Upward family today…

“I want to commend the referee at South Salem Nazarene church. He’s out here lovingly teaching and training kids, other [younger] refs, and even the grandparents in attendance who need help understanding the rules”

This was a blessing to read. Every person who serves in Upward is a volunteer, willingly giving their time to encourage, support and help your child to grow as an athlete, and as a little human being! None of them are perfect, but each one shows up to the gym with a heart to serve and a commitment to doing their best. Thank you for taking the time to affirm those who serve.

01/22/2026

Picture Day is January 31st! Check with your coach for specific time and location!

01/12/2026

Please remember that Upward game day is all about providing an encouraging, fun environment for your child to develop as an athlete and as a teammate. The final score of the game is only ONE WAY to evaluate how well your team played. You will determine how much emphasis is placed on the importance of sportsmanship and character.

01/09/2026

Games begin this Saturday!! I hope you and your child(ren) have a great start to the Upward season!

Please help us maintain a positive atmosphere in the gym by remembering these 5 points:

1. This league is designed for the children to develop as athletes and to have fun in the process.

2. The coaches and referees are volunteers who are doing their best to help the children succeed and grow as athletes. They are human and they will make mistakes. Please extend grace and encourage them as they work with your child.

3. Winning is more fun than losing, but the final score is not the only way to define wins and losses. Together, let’s try to focus on the positive aspects of the game!

4. Competition is healthy. Contention is destructive. Help us as we seek to instill healthy competition without sacrificing character development and sportsmanship in the process.

5. Yell TO your child, his/her teammates and the opposing team. Please do not yell AT them. Your children crave your attention and your affirmation. Give them your very best.

Thank you in advance for the positive, fun and respectful atmosphere you will help us foster!

-Jeff Poush
League Director

12/24/2025

May the peace of Christ fill your heart and your home this Christmas.

12/03/2025

You should receive your child's uniform at practice this week. If it doesn't fit, bring it to Salem First Baptist M-F between 8:15-4:15 so we can start the exchange process in time for the first game on January 10th! Don’t wait…sooner is better!!

11/01/2025

Here is an update on what has been happening...and a preview of what to expect over the next few weeks!
1. 123 coaches have been placed on 62 teams and assigned to their practice locations.
2. 598 players were drafted onto their team on October 30th. (Player requests are no longer able to be accepted)
3. Coaches will be trained over the next 2 weeks
4. Parents will be contacted by Nov 17th with team assignments
5. Waiting list players will be contacted and assigned to teams (if available) between 11/18-11/28
6. Practice begins the first week of December for all teams
7. First Game is January 10th.

Looking forward to a great season

10/14/2025

Upward Evals happening now!

10/06/2025

Most common Evaluation Night Questions:
1. How long will it take?
I answer this the same way I answer "How long does it take to drive to PDX?". It all depends on traffic! The parent Orientation takes about 35 minutes. The Player Evaluations depend on how many kids are in the gym. Get there early. It's gonna take a while with 620 kids to evaluate. Our team will serve you as fast as they possibly can!

2. I've been part of Upward for 6 years! Do I seriously need to show up again?
Yes, please. These Evaluation/Orientation nights are an essential component of our registration process. We are committed to running an excellent program, and we have a high value for clear communication. If you skip the Orientation, our communication system breaks down, and I don't want to see that happen. Please send me a direct message if you have any concerns about my position on this. I'm really not a tyrant...I just feel strongly about this.

3. My child is on the waiting list. Should I come to evaluations?
That is a great question! If your child can emotionally handle coming to the evaluations knowing there is a chance that they WON'T be placed on a team, then bring them! (Please inform the folks at the registration table that you're on the waiting list) If coming to the evaluation night will get your child's hopes up and break their heart if there isn't a spot for them on a team, then please DON'T bring them!! I wish I had room for everyone, but it's a simple math problem. I just don't have enough gym space. NOTE: If registered players don't show up for any of the five evaluation nights we offer, I will assume they have changed their mind and I will start calling kids from the waiting list on Monday, October 20th.

10/04/2025

For those that are registered, PLAYER EVALUATIONS & PARENT ORIENTATIONS begin soon!

Evaluation/Orientation Options:
October 6th or 7th: 5:30-7:00pm Salem First Nazarene Church (1550 Market St.)

October 13th, 16th or 17th: 5:30-7:30pm Salem First Baptist (395 Marion St NE)

These evaluations are “open house” style, so show up when it's most convenient for you, and we will serve you as quickly as we can!

Address

395 Marion Street NE
Salem, OR
97301

Telephone

+1 503-364-2285

Website

https://www.fbcsalem.org/upward-sports

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