Register Today!
Thanks for considering First Baptist Church of Elyria and Upward Sports to help develop your young athlete Spiritually, Athletically, Mentally, and Socially. We are excited to offer Upward Basketball and Cheerleading for Summer 2024. Below, you will find information regarding the details of the league. If you have any additional questions, we are here to help and would love to hear from you. Contact us here or give us a call at 440.458.5128.
What is Upward?
Upward Basketball and Cheer is a ministry of First Baptist Church of Elyria that allows kids and families to participate in an organized sports league. They can learn and grow in a safe and family-friendly atmosphere where leaders and coaches are dedicated to helping develop young athletes spiritually, athletically, mentally, and socially. Players and coaches will spend time each week developing their athletic skills and in huddle time, where children will be encouraged to grow in their relationship with God. Upward is more than the average sports league. We are excited to have you participate in Upward Sports at First Baptist Church of Elyria!
How do I sign up?
Once you are registered, come to our Evaluation Night on Wednesday, May 8, between 7:00pm and 8:00pm. If you’d prefer not to register online, contact Emmie Wilcox.
Who Can Play?
To deliver a first-class experience, we offer Upward Basketball and Cheerleading to 5th and 6th graders in the 2024-2025 school year. Boys and girls are welcome! Our church also offers a free Bible program for children three years old through 4th grade on Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. The program for younger children is not a Basketball or Cheerleading league.
What is the cost?
Register by Wednesday, April 10, to receive $10 off your registration fee! If you register after April 10, registration will be $65 for cheerleading and $70 for basketball for the season. Registration is available at the door on Evaluation Night. Player participation is limited this season, so register early to reserve a spot!
League Schedule
All practices and games will be held on Wednesday Evenings from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. We will not have any activities on Saturdays this year!
This year, each team will have an individual team celebration and awards night. Your child’s coach will give you more information on this towards the end of the season.
Evaluation Night
Each athlete must attend Evaluation Night sometime between 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Wednesday, May 8. Evaluation night is a unique evening where athletes will be introduced to our leaders and coaches, sized for game jerseys and uniforms, and participate in basic drills. This assessment will allow us to evenly distribute talent among the teams and promote a competitive spirit. Parents will be able to meet our leadership team and ask any additional questions they might have about our church or league. If your child cannot attend Evaluation Night but would still like to participate in Upward, please let us know, and we can evaluate your child at Open Gym.
Open Gym Night
On Wednesday, May 15, we will have an open gym night where your family will meet our leadership team and get a chance to get to know one another. Open Gym will also serve as a secondary Evaluation Night for those who cannot make it on May 8. Please let us know if your child needs to be evaluated this evening.
Sponsor an Athlete
We are looking for individuals and families to sponsor an athlete! You have the special opportunity to help us reach young athletes and their families with the gospel! Sponsor one or more athletes ($70 per child) by designating your gift with “Upward Sponsor” either online by clicking here or by giving at one of our giving centers in the church foyer. Your entire gift will be used to allow young athletes to participate in Upward Sports at First Baptist Church of Elyria.
Need More Info?
If you need more information or have specific needs or requests, please feel free to reach out any time! You may call or email Emmie Wilcox at 440.458.5128 and ewilcox@firstbaptistelyria.org