Upward Soccer at Oakland will be a Fall League this year!

Here's what our League Director has to say about the change:

One thing I wanted to pass along is the reason why we decided a change to a fall league since some parents have already asked.  There are several reasons, but the main ones follow.  We wanted more separation between basketball and soccer so volunteers have more rest in between leagues; it was overwhelming for many basketball participants to essentially roll right into soccer with very little break.  The weather was a factor with the fields being so wet and muddy this past spring; we hope to minimize cancellations due to inclement weather this year with the later start.  We hope many families will have summer vacations completed by the time practices start at the beginning of August since many schools will start just a couple of weeks after that.

For specifics about the Upward Programs at Oakland:

Basketball & Cheerleading 2010

What are "Upward Sports and Cheerleading"?

Upward is one of the most exciting evangelistic sports ministries in the country. The sports of basketball, flag football, soccer, and are used to reach children and their families for Christ. Designed for kindergarten through sixth grade boys and girls, Upward Basketball seeks to develop the self-esteem of each participant, while teaching respect for authority, sportsmanship, character, and basketball skills.

Upward Cheerleading teaches the same life skills and gives boys and girls the opportunity to participate through leading cheers and working as a team to support and encourage the Upward Basketball players.

Oakland Nazarene sponsors and hosts an Upward Basketball and Cheerleading season in the winter and a Basketball and Cheerleading Camp in the summer. We will be adding adding soccer in the Spring of 2008, and may someday add flag football.

Upward Sports Ministries at Oakland Nazarene Church

All Upward leagues and camps at Oakland are for children in kindergarten through sixth grade.  This is a wonderful opportunity for children and adults in the Cedar Rapids community.  Each player and cheerleader will grow spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially as they develop character, an understanding of sportsmanship, and respect for authority in any situation on and off the court.  Each player will develop self-esteem and a personal sense of value as well as learning and understanding the fundamentals of basketball and cheerleading.

Upward features:

• A rotation system providing equal playing time for all players.

• A rotation plan for starting the games - everyone gets to start about the same number of games.

• Man to man defense against the nearest equivalent-ability player on the other team.

• Affirmation for players to recognize ability and improvement in games skills, sportsmanship, and Christlike attitudes.

• Training for coaches and referees.

Christian Emphasis

There are devotionals for the players at the midpoint of each practice and Bible memory verses. Each player will receive a New Testament with his or her jersey. There are devotionals for spectators at halftime during games.

About Upward Unlimited

Upward Unlimited is a nationally syndicated program. Oakland Nazarene pays the franchise fee and organizes the league. More than 1800 churches in almost every state and several countries will host leagues for basketball, soccer, flag football, and cheerleading this year. More details are available on their web site.