Upward Sports

06/02/2026

Upward Soccer continues to be a church favorite. When faith meets the field, lives are impacted, families find connection, and the church becomes known and deeply felt throughout the community. ⚽

Take a look at how The MET Church is intentionally reaching families through a first-class soccer league that goes far beyond the game. Their story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a church opens its doors and uses sports as an invitation into community.

Learn more about starting a soccer ministry at your church – upward.org/soccer

05/30/2026

This spring season brought more than just games and fun - it brought connection, growth, and learning about who God created us to be. Thanks for choosing to ! We're so grateful to everyone who participated and served this season 🎉

Let us know your favorite moment from this season!

05/29/2026

What happens when sports become more than just a game? 👀

Our Director of Market Research, Travis Vaughn joined Buying Sandlot to talk about how churches across the country are using sports to connect with families, engage their communities, and create welcoming experiences for every athlete. This conversation unpacks how Upward Sports supports the local church, the flexibility of programs, and how over 225,000 athletes and 1,500 churches were impacted last year.

This conversation is full of ideas, encouragement, and practical ways sports can help churches become a stronger presence in their community. 🙌

Listen in here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENuRVnQJeLg

Is your church looking to reach your community? Get started here – Upward.org/Church-Leaders

Travis Vaughn of Upward Sports comes on the show to talk about how the organization assists churches and communities through sport. We dive into Upward's i...

05/28/2026

Our May Community Hero spotlight goes to Parkway Church and the churches across Virginia’s Roanoke Valley who are showing the power of unity through sports ministry. 🙌🏈

Parkway’s very first season of Upward Flag Football and Cheerleading is already off to an incredible start, but as Associate Lead Pastor and League Director Carley Moore shares, it has been a community effort from day one. When other churches in the area heard Parkway was launching a league, they immediately stepped in to help, offering volunteers, encouragement, and support along the way.

“It just goes back to unity in the church, unity in the body,” says Carley. “We’re all on the same team; we’re just a different part of the body, and when we come together, we can do so much more. And that’s really what we’re starting to see in our community”

That’s exactly what is happening in Roanoke Valley right now, churches coming together to create meaningful experiences for kids and families in their community. ❤️

Take a few minutes to read this encouraging story - https://www.upward.org/may-community-hero-2026/

Inspired by what’s happening in Roanoke? Your church can make a lasting impact in your community, too. Learn more at Upward.org/Church-Leaders.

Read about Upward Sports Community Heroes. We celebrate these difference makers who labor in The Gospel of making Jesus known.

05/27/2026

Hey Church 👋

This is your runway.

Fall sports ministry is closer than you think - and now is the time to start planning. Use your field or your gym to connect with your community. 🏈🏐⚽

Schedule your call.
Map out your timeline.
Begin sharing with your community.

Be ready to offer a first-class, organized, and intentional sports experience that families will remember long after the season ends.

Upward Sports is ready to help you step into your community and create something meaningful this fall. 🏀⚽

Start now – www.upward.org/church-leaders

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.

05/22/2026

“… Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” – Joshua 22:5 NLT

05/19/2026

Upward Sports is excited to be a partner in ministry with Victory Beyond the Cup! Recently, we had the opportunity to share on their blog about the power of an inviting church and why invitation still matters.

We believe sports create meaningful opportunities to welcome families, build connections, and reach communities in a real way. Take a few minutes to read the blog today and be encouraged by the impact a simple invitation can make.

https://ow.ly/fYXg50Z19ss

Learn how one of our partners, Upward Sports, utilizes the power of invitation within churches and sports for the sake of the Gospel. | Victory Beyond the Cup

05/18/2026

What if your church became the place families gather?

The place where kids play, parents connect, and meaningful conversations begin - week after week.

That kind of environment doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s built with purpose.

Upward Sports is ready to help you create an intentional sports experience. One that brings people together and opens the door for something greater, both on and off the field. 🏀🏈⚽🏐

Learn more today – www.upward.org/church-leaders

05/14/2026

“Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” – Psalm 71:18 NLT