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Upward Weather Updates

All Upward Basketball & Cheerleading practice for tonight, Monday, Feb. 8 WILL be held as normally scheduled.

Incase of bad weather or unforseen circumstances this website page will be updated with any cancellation notice by 3pm Monday - Friday and 7am on Saturday's.  You can also call the new Tulsa Area Upward Sports Information Hotline at 365-2290 and we will provide you with up to the minute weather updates on cancelations, upcoming eval dates, Cheerleading information and any recreation events happening. 

 

Upward Soccer

Registration is now open for Upward Soccer.  Upward Soccer is open for all boys and girls from 4 years old to 7th grade.  The early registration cost for soccer is $85 till February 13 (after this date the registration fee will be $95).  

Evaluations Will Be On:
Saturday, February 6 from 10am - Noon
Saturday, February 13 from 10am - Noon

Deadline for Registrations:
Saturday, February 13

Practice Starts On:
Week of Monday, March 22

Games Start On :
Saturday, April 3

Go to the Upward Soccer page to download the registration form.  If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Edwards @ 455-5020 ext. 221.

    Upward Basketball and Cheerleading Sponsorship

    We are now offering companies the oppurtunity to advertise on an Upward Banner for Basketball and Cheerleading.  The banner will be placed in the gym for the 2009-2010 season.  The proceeds will go back to the Upward Ministry to use as scholarships for children that can not afford to play, new basketball goals for the K-4 and K-5 kids, basketballs, wrist bands and updated padding around the backboards.

    If you are interested in advertising on a banner or banners please contact the Church office at 455-5020 ext. 221 for more information.

    Share Your Upward Story

    The Upward Ministry has affected so many children and families.  We would like to be able to share your story with others that are unfamiliar with Upward through this website.  Please email your Upward Story to Sheila Edwards at sedwards@arrowheights.org if you would like to share your story.  All names will be kept confidential.

    Upward has impacted our family in so many ways!  The first year my daughter cheered for basketball, she had the most amazing coach.  Her coach said the right things at the right times and just knew what kind of support my daughter needed and what she needed to hear.  After one month, my daughter made her decision and was saved - Halleluiah!!

    My son has had several Upward coaches that made a difference in his life, but he had one football coach who made him feel as smart as he really is.  This coach placed a trust in him and gave him 'jobs' on the field that made him feel like he really mattered.  For a boy that has been teased and put down most of his life by his peers, this was a fantastic affirmation!

    Upward gave me a new church family.  I visited Arrow Heights and immediately felt welcome and comfortable.  I met far more people in the church through Upward than I probably would have without it.  Since beginning our attendance, I have seen my children accept the Lord as their Savior and they have been baptized.  My youngest has come to the Lord and is now in the process of confirming for her baptism.  I am so grateful God led us here.

    My husband does not attend church and is not interested in attending.  However, he has developed friendships and respect for many of the men at Arrow Heights thanks to attending my children's games at Upward.  This ministry touches more lives than anyone can imagine.  Keep up the good work and do not be discouraged if you do not witness first hand the fruits of your labor.  The Lord has used this ministry to plant a multitude of seeds!!!

    The first Upward game I attended I was amazed!!  The people and the coaches were interested in the children learning the skills involved in the sport instead of just winning.  Travelling had been called a multitude of times, so the referees stopped the game briefly and taught the kids how to keep from travelling.  This to me is a shining example of teaching the kids how your perform is more important than the result!  What a way to lead by example.

    Upward

    Upward is a sports ministry specifically designed for K5 through sixth grade boys and girls that promotes salvation, character, and self-esteem in every child. In addition to basketball, we offer cheerleading, soccer and flag football programs. Upward provides opportunities for everyone, no matter what denomination, to become meaningfully involved. There are opportunities for children to play and adults to coach or help with administration.

    Mission Statement

    Values

    The Expectation of God-Moments

    We believe that God is at work all around us.

    The Life of Integrity

    We believe that how we live is more important than what we say.

    The Discipline of Excellence

    We believe in serving that exceeds expectations.

    The Priority of Children

    We believe that Every Child is A Winner.

    Youth Sport Statistics

    More than 65% of children say they participate in sports to be with friends.
    Source: Athletic Footwear Association, 1990

    One top reason why children say they participate in sports: to have fun and to improve their skills.

    Source: Athletic Footwear Association, 1990

    Top reasons children quit playing organized sports include:

    Not having fun

    The coach played favorites

    Too much emphasis is placed on competition

    Frustration with not getting to play

    Source: Institute for the Study of Youth Sports, Michigan State University, 2004

    64% of parents say their children have been dissatisfied with their sports experience

    Source: National PTA Convention Survey, 2003

    Some 41 million boys and girls play organized sports in the U.S.; 70% will quit playing  by age 13.

    Source: CNN, July 10, 2006

    Source: National Alliance for Sports

    44% of parents say their child has dropped out of an activity because it made them unhappy.

    Source: National PTA Convention Survey, 2003

    72% of boys and girls would rather play on a losing team than sit on the bench for a winning team.

    Source: The Josephson Institute of Ethics, 2004

    71% of children say they wouldn't care if no score were kept in their games.

    Source: USA Today, September 9, 1990

    Only 1 in 5 athletes feel they have to win in order to enjoy their sport.

    Source: The Josephson Institute of Ethics, 2004

    Nearly 1 in 10 young athletes acknowledge cheating.

    Source: Journal of Research in Character Education, 2005

    14% of young athletes believe cheating is an acceptable behavior.

    Source: Journal of Research in Character Education, 2005

    13% of young athletes have tried to injure an opponent.

    Source: Journal of Research in Character Education, 2005

    27% of young athletes have admitted to acting like a "bad sport".

    Source: Journal of Research in Character Education, 2005

    2% of young athletes consider arguing with officials to be part of the game.

    Source: Journal of Research in Character Education, 2005

    8% of coaches have encouraged their athletes to hurt an opponent.

    Source: Journal of Research in Character Education, 2005

    7% of coaches have condoned cheating.

    Source: Journal of Research in Character Education, 2005

    20% of coaches have made fun of a team member with limited skills.
    Source: Journal of Research in Character Education, 2005

     

     

     
    www.upward.com

    Click on the picture and go to the Upward site. This will give you all the information you need to know about Upward and how the leagues are ran. Enjoy!

     upward logo