Upward Sports

Upward Sports is the largest Christian youth sports program in the nation, and has been in Baker City since January 2018. The program is open for all the children in Baker City and surrounding communities!

This recreation basketball league is a unique experience that develops young athletes (K5- 6th grade) mentally, athletically, spiritually, and socially. Upward Basketball focuses on skills, training, character development, drills, and gameplay. It involves:

  • 1 practice and 1-2 game per week
  • Unique substitution system that ensures every young athlete plays
  • Quality game day uniform and other sports related gear
  • Age appropriate character and skill development both on and off the court
  • Coaches who are focused on your athlete's development physically and spiritually

Key Information

  • Our League for the 2025 Season will be split into 3 age divisions: 4th-6th Basketball with K5-6th Cheerleading,  2nd/3rd Basketball, and K/1st Basketball  We will have a Celebration Day at the end of our season.
  • Basketball Evaluations- Evaluations are a helpful tool for our league. It is a series of skills that will take about 15 minutes. Evaluations will be held on Saturday, November 16th, 9am-11am. Athletes are encouraged to come and take part in skills.  Parent packets with season information will also be provided on this day.

  • Registration: Opens September 22, 2024- December 1, 2024
    • Basketball registration is $65 per player
    • Cheerleading registration is $65 per cheerleader
    • Scholarships are available upon request and approval.
  • Capacity- we are excited to host our league, but we do have a capacity of 30 athletes per age division. Those who are put on a waiting list will be notified upon registering your athlete. If space opens, you will receive a call from the League Director.
  • Coaches should be contacting parents the week of December 13th. If you have not heard from a coach by December 20th, please contact the League Director.
  • VOLUNTEERING- there is always a place to volunteer! Our current needs are coaches, refs, scorekeepers, and concessions. Please contact the League Director for a Volunteer packet (this includes a background check form that will need to be passed before a volunteer position can be filled).
  • First practice: one day a week during the season your child is participating in.
  • Game Schedule:  All games will be on Saturday mornings from January through February.

 

 

Sponsorship

The sponsorship program can be another way for businesses or individuals to participate in this ministry and benefit young athletes who may be unable to financially participate in the program. Sponsorships will include your name or business on a banner that will be placed in the gym. These banners are great encouragements for parents, and are a visual way to show others in our community that you or your business supports these kids.  Sponsorships range from $50 to $200.

More Information

If you have any other questions, please reach out to one of our team members:

  • Jon France, League Director 530-310-3417
  • Kevin Reilly, Basketball Coach/Ref Commissioner 541.519.9187
  • Megan Wagemaker, Cheer Coach Commissioner
  • Megan Liby, Fundraising Commissioner 208-921-5034

How Upward Sports got Started
Check out this "Simple as a Ball-  The Upward Sports Story" video about how Upward Sports got started and their vision for kids and communities (30 mins).