Upward Basketball is an exciting league for boys and girls 1st - 6th grade. Teams are divided up into three age groups, and there are seperate teams for boys and girls.

Early registration is currently underway, and the cost is $65 per child. After November 5th the cost goes up to $75. Registration ends November 11th. All children must attend one basketball evaluation (dates are listed below). You can get an application at Union Valley. There are a limited number of scholarships available for families that can not afford the registration cost. You must talk to one of the directors, Steve Marston or Donnie Conyers to talk to them about the scholarships. Feel free to contact the church office if you have any questions 501-882-6189.

Evaluations dates are as follows:
1st - 2nd grade - Nov. 6 from 6-8pm
3rd - 4th grade - Nov. 7 from 6-8pm
5th - 8th grade - Nov.9 from 6-8pm

Practice begins the week of December 4th.
Games begin Saturday January 13, 2007.
End of year Awards Banquet will be Mon. March 5, 2007.

We are recruiting members and Christian non-members to help coach, referee, give devotionals between games, and work in the concession stand. Contact one of the directors, Steve Marston or Donnie Conyers if you would be willing to serve in one of these areas.

What is Upward Basketball?

Upward is a program derived to teach children the concepts of basketball while instructing them in life skills and their need for a Savior.

The primary purposes of Upward Basketball are:

To share the love of Jesus Christ with each player, coach, referee, and family.

To help every player grow as Jesus did-spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially.

To help every player develop character, an understanding of sportsmanship,and a respect for authority in any situation, on and off the court.

To help every player develop self-esteem and a sense of personal value.

To teach every player the fundamentals of basketball and help them  grow in their understanding and enjoyment of the sport.

As An Upward Basketball Player You Will Enjoy:

• REVERSIBLE Mesh JERSEY
• UPWARD Basketball T-SHIRT
• INDIVIDUAL AWARDS after each Game
• — The Blue Star represents BEST EFFORT
  — The Gold Star represents BEST SPORTSMANSHIP
  — The Gray Star represents BEST OFFENSE
  — The Red Star represents BEST DEFENSE
  — The Green Star represents SCRIPTURE LEARNING
  — The White Star represents MOST CHRISTLIKE
• END-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD
• EQUAL PLAYING TIME for every player
• SEPARATE LEAGUES for boys and girls
• Each PLAYER SIGNS UP AS AN INDIVIDUAL...not as a group or team
• A ONE-HOUR PRACTICE and GAME EACH WEEK starting after Evaluations
  PLUS, MUCH MORE!

Upward Basketball Last Year: January 2006 was our second year to be involved with this program. We had approximately 80 children playing ball, 20 coaches, and countless people helping in the concession stand, on the score board, referring, and giving their testimonies between games.

To go to the Children's Ministry page click here, or for more information contact the church 501-882-6189

To go to the Upward Basketball home page click here.