Register here!
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 the Summer of 2023. 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 offers kids and families an opportunity to participate in an organized sports league in an atmosphere that is clean, safe and family friendly and 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 as well as time together in huddle time where students will be encouraged to grow in their relationship with God. Upward is more than the average sports league. We are excited to have you take part in Upward Sports here at First Baptist Church of Elyria!
How do I sign up?
Register Here! Once you are registered, simply come to our Evaluation Night on Wednesday, May 3rd between 6:30pm and 8:00pm. If you don’t want to register online, contact Julia Snelling.
Who Can Play?
In order to deliver a first class experience, we are offering Upward Basketball and Cheerleading to athletes completing 2nd through 5th grade for the 2022-2023 school year. Boys and girls are welcome! The basketball league will be split into two divisions: the 2nd and 3rd graders will play one another and the 4th and 5th graders will play one another. Our church also offers a free Bible program for children 3 years old through 1st grade on Wednesday evenings from 6:45pm to 8:15pm. The program for younger children is not a Basketball or Cheerleading league.
What is the cost?
Register by Wednesday, April 5th and pay just $55 per child for the season! If you register after April 5th, registration will be $65 per child for the season. Registration is available at the door on Evaluation Night for $65 per child. We want as many kids to participate as possible. Those who need financial assistance may contact Julia Snelling and check availability of scholarships.
Need a Ride?
Do you need a ride to and from practices and/or games? Contact Julia Snelling and we will put you in contact with a family or individual who can make sure you get here!
League Schedule
All practices and games will be held on Wednesday Evenings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. We will not have any activities on Saturdays, this year!
Wednesday, April 5th | Early Registration Ends
Wednesday, May 3rd | Evaluation Night
Wednesday, May 10th | Open Gym Night
Wednesday, May 17th | First Practices
Wednesday, May 24th | Practice
Wednesday, May 31st | First Games
Wednesday, June 7th | Games
NO ACTIVITIES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14TH | VBS WEEK
Wednesday, June 21st | Practice
Wednesday, June 28th | Games
Wednesday, July 5th | Practice
Wednesday, July 12th | Games
NO ACTIVITIES WEDNESDAY, JULY 19TH
Wednesday, July 26th | Practice
Wednesday, August 2nd | Games
Wednesday, August 9th | Games
Wednesday, August 16th | Closing Awards Celebration
Wednesday, August 16th will be a special Awards Celebration where we can recognize each athlete for their accomplishments this season.
Evaluation Night
Each athlete will be required to attend Evaluation Night sometime between 6:30pm and 8:00pm on Wednesday, May 3rd. 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 some 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 athlete cannot attend Evaluation Night but would still like to participate in Upward, please let us know and we can evaluate your athlete at Open Gym.
Open Gym Night
On Wednesday, May 10th, we will have an open gym night where your athletes will meet our leadership team and get a chance to get to know one another. This will also serve as a secondary Evaluation Night for those who cannot make it on May 3rd. Please let us know if your athlete will need to be evaluated during this evening.
Sponsor an Athlete
We are looking for individuals and families to sponsor an athlete! As an outreach ministry of First Baptist Church, we would love for as many children to participate as possible. You have the special opportunity to help us reach young athletes and their families with the gospel! Sponsor one or more athletes ($50 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 are looking for more information or have specific needs or requests, please feel free to reach out any time! You may call or email Julia Snelling at 440.458.5128 and jsnelling@firstbaptistelyria.org