Upward Sports

08/30/2026

Have Fun. Learn New Skills. Make Friends.

Visit https://play.upward.org/ to register for a league near you!

08/28/2026

Encouraged to hear Shepherd Church of the Nazarene share about their Upward Sports League in Gahanna, Ohio! 🏀

08/27/2026

Our August Community Hero is Bobbie Bradley from Riverside Church in Three Rivers, MI!

More than 25 years ago, Riverside saw an opportunity where others saw an aging high school. They purchased the former Three Rivers High School for just one dollar and began using it to serve families and invest in the next generation.

Today, Bobbie continues that legacy through Upward Sports, paying attention to the little details that make a big difference. From smaller parent meetings that create space for connection, to a smoother game-day drop-off and intentional coach recruitment, Bobbie is always looking for ways to make the experience better for families and volunteers.

“I made sure people understood you just need to have a heart for the kids; you don’t have to be a coach already. Everything is here to help you do that. I’ve never seen a program that has everything laid out, videos to assist; it is just an amazing program”

We’re grateful for Bobbie and the Riverside team as they reach their community!!

👉 Read their full story and be encouraged in your ministry: https://www.upward.org/hero/

Inspired by what’s happening at Riverside Church? Your church can make a lasting impact in your community, too. Learn more at https://www.upward.org/church-leaders/

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

08/25/2026

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” – Mark 16:15 NLT

08/21/2026

“Our sports ministry gives us a training ground for teaching young people how to serve in their church.” – Mike S. – Upward Sports League Director

08/19/2026

🏈Sports have a way of bringing people together.

Your field can become a place where families feel welcomed and connected.

This fall or spring, your church can use flag football as an opportunity to invite your community in and create core memories families will remember for years to come.

Just like our church partner Bowling Green Church of the Nazarene, your church can create an experience where kids are excited to play, parents feel connected, and families want to be a part of something bigger.

Ready to bring flag football to your community?

Learn more at www.upward.org/flagfootball

08/17/2026

💬 You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

We love hearing from churches in our comments and conversations on social media. Your questions help us better understand what you’re looking for and how we can serve you.

So, we gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about Upward Sports all in one place. Explore the answers and see how Upward can partner with your church to connect with your community through sports.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call with our team today. We are excited to talk to you about what’s possible for your church. - www.upward.org/church-leaders

08/14/2026

New uniforms coming to a field near you🏈📣 Let’s

Don’t forget to tag in your gameday photos this season!

08/12/2026

What does it look like when a church intentionally focuses on helping develop the whole player?

Our ministry partner, Sam Rainer at Church Answers, recently sat down with longtime Upward Sports church partner Northside Church in Liverpool, NY, Ambassador and League Director, Brian Kelly to talk about how their church is using MASS - Mental, Athletic, Spiritual, and Social - to help raise well-rounded young men and women who know they are loved by God.

Brian shares how Northside Church uses sports to connect with families, build relationships, and create opportunities for the church to make an impact in their community.🏀

Check out the conversation and be inspired by what God is doing through sports ministry at Northside Church! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux3Jdb45GY4&t=1247s

Interested in starting a sports ministry at your church? www.upward.org/church-leaders

To help raise well-rounded young men and women who know they are lo...

08/10/2026

"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." – Isaiah 55:11 NLT