Richmond Hill First Baptist Church is now enrolling through April 5 for the Christian-based Upward Soccer season. The national Upward program is becoming more and more popular and practices a rule of equal playing time for each participant.
Today’s sports culture has created a "win at all cost" mentality. However, Upward defines winning as learning and/or teaching lessons in the game of life. The emphasis is placed on having fun and good sportsmanship.
First Baptist has just completed Upward Basketball and Cheerleading seasons and both were a huge success. 102 children from kindergarten thru eighth grade participated.
Upward is a non-profit organization that supplies churches with the materials and know-how to operate sports leagues for children. After soccer, signups for Upward Flag Football and Cheerleading are coming soon this fall.
Upward promotes character and self esteem in every child by:
- Providing an evaluation system that promotes equal teams and opportunities
- Establishing a one hour practice and game each week
- Implementing a substitution system for each team, allowing every child equal playing time
- Creating the opportunity for every child to learn the skills of the game.
- Receiving special recognition awards after every game and
- Developing new friendships
Along with this unique sports experience, every child will receive the following: soccer jersey, water bottle, car magnet and end of season award.
The Upward Program is open to the public and every one is welcome to participate. There are teams for girls and boys from Kindergarten thru eighth grade. If your child is not quite Kindergarten age and you would like them to play then you would have to be willing to be an assistant coach on your child’s team.
Evaluations for Upward Soccer are March 31, April 1, April 3 and April 5 from 6-8:00 pm. at the First Baptist Church soccer fields. If it is raining, evaluations will be held in the Family Life Center. All who wish to play must attend one of these evaluation days and times.
Practices begin Monday, April 14 and first games are on May 10. Sign-ups are available by calling First Baptist Church at 912-756-2196. If you would like to learn more about Upward, visit www.upward.org/parents