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UPWARD sports make Jessamine debut

December 07, 2005|Nathan Weathersby

UPWARD basketball and cheerleading is now available in Nicholasville for children ages four years old through sixth grade. While Upward sports programs are available at several Lexington churches, Faith United Community Church in Nicholasville is the first and only church in Jessamine County to host Upward Sports. According to church leaders and the staff of Upward Unlimited, it's a program that has proven extremely successful and it is catching on all across the nation.

Upward Unlimited was founded by Caz McCaslin of Spartanburg, S.C. Since it's inception in 1995, participation in Upward sports has grown from 7 churches to over 1,500 churches today, with over 500,000 children enrolled in basketball, cheerleading, soccer, and athletic camps.

Lindsay Addison, a communications associate with Upward Unlimited, said in a recent press release, "A USA Today survey found that 'seven in 10 children would not care if no one kept score at their games. Four in 10 wished their parents did not come to their games. Too many kids secretly hate playing organized sports because of the pressure to win or the rejection they feel when they make a mistake.'" Upward is a revolutionary sports program that is changing the way some people view sports leagues

In Upward, Children do learn the fundamentals of sports games and are coached on specific improvements they can make in their game play, but there is a healthy balance of motivation for them to grow in other areas of their lives as well. The focus of the program is on helping children develop character and self esteem, as well as encouraging spiritual growth. Coaches, referees, and parents are continually encouraged to refrain from negative criticism on the court, off the court and in the bleachers.

The motto of Upward is, "Every child is a winner!" No child is turned away for any reason. Any child who is in the appropriate age group may participate, and all coaches operate on a substitution system that allows each child to play at least half of every game. Every player and cheerleader receives an award after every game. In addition to awards based on athletic performance, awards are also presented based on positive displays of attitude, character, and other contributions to the team.

Faith United Community Church is excited about the opportunity for Jessamine County residents to get involved in this exciting program. The church is in the final stages of completing a new multi-purpose facility complete with a regulation size high school basketball court, locker rooms, and kitchen area. In the near future they hope to add an indoor batting cage for baseball and softball fans.

The registration deadline for basketball and cheerleading at Faith United has been extended. "Last chance" sign-ups and player evaluations will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church has also waived its $10 late registration fee. The cost is $50 for basketball and $60 for cheerleading, and the money is due at the time of registration.

Practices will begin the first week of January, and games begin Jan. 27. The season consists of one one-hour game each week and one game each Saturday for eight consecutive weeks. The season closes with an Awards Night Celebration on Monday, March 27, at 7 p.m.

For more information contact Faith United Community Church, 3080 Brannon Road, Nicholasville, 272-5339.

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