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Basketball Registration is open (online only)!

Boys & Girls: Kindergarten – 12th Grade (if sign-ups allow)
 
Coed Basketball K – 5th Grade
Male / Female Divided 6th – 12th Grade
 
Practices begin on February 15th and games begin on February 27th.
Participant Registration

We Need Your Help!

We need volunteers to coach, referee, keep score, help with set-up and tear down, and lead devotions. If interested, please click the link below. Thanks!
Volunteer Registration
Learn More About Upward

What Is Upward Sports?

Founded in 1995 by Caz McCaslin in Spartanburg, SC, Upward Sports has grown to become the world’s largest Christian sports league for children. The first-class sports programming—which includes basketball, flag football, soccer and cheerleading—provides a fun sports experience based on healthy competition for kids, teaching skills for the sports arena and values for life.

The Upward Sports Ministry provides an opportunity for boys and girls from K-6th grade to participate in a variety of recreational opportunities in a fun and encouraging environment. From flag football and basketball to soccer and cheerleading, Upward ensures all athletes enjoy equal playing time, instructional practices and game experiences, as well as a sound Bible study and Scripture memory program. Come get in the game with us!

Hillcrest currently offers Basketball in the winter. Upward volunteers are our church members and members of our community who come from all walks of life and are involved by praying for the program, coaching a team, refereeing a game, or sharing a devotion.

Upward programs are open to all members of the community regardless of their religious background.

Upward Sports FAQ

What Upward sports do you offer?
We offer Soccer, Basketball with Cheerleading and Flag Football with Cheerleading.
Do the boys and girls play together?
Yes, our soccer and flag football programs are coed meaning the boys and girls play together. Basketball is played coed through the 5th grade. Basketball is separated boys and girls teams for grades 6th-12th.
Will my 2nd grader be playing with a 5th grader?
No; we divide the kids up into divisions with other kids around their grade level. 2nd graders may play with 1st graders or even 3rd graders. That is the same with every grade level from Kindergarten through 6th grade.
When does the Upward Season Start?
Soccer – Registration starts in July, Evaluations are in August, Practices begin at the end of August. Games begin in September. Basketball and Cheerleading – Registration begins in October, Evaluations are in December, Practices begin mid December, Games begin in January. Flag Football and Cheerleading – Registration starts in January, Evaluations are in February, Practices and Games start in March.
When are Practices? Games?
Practices can fall on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays (depending on team placement). Games are always on Saturdays.
How long are the Practices? Games?
Practices and Games are one hour each. Practices run for 10 weeks and Games run for 8 weeks.
How many times a week does my child practice? Have Games?
Your child will only practice one day a week; Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday and will only play one game a week on Saturday.
What time will my child practice?
Soccer – Practices begin at 6pm Flag Football – Practices begin at 6 or 7pm Basketball – Practices begin at 6 or 7pm
What time will my child play their game?
This will depend on their grade, we typically begin with the younger teams first and work our way through the day up to the oldest division. Games usually begin about 8:30am and sometimes will finish into the evening.
Where are the practices held? Games?

Soccer – Practices and Games will be held at the Hillcrest Fields in front of the church.

Flag Football – Practices and Games will be held at the Hillcrest Fields in front of the church.

Basketball – Practices and Games will be held in the Hillcrest Gym.

When does my child get their uniform?

Your child will receive their uniform no later than the first game of the season.

What equipment will my child need?

Soccer – We will provide the socks and uniform. You will need to provide shin guards and cleats.

Flag Football – We will provide the flags, uniform, and wristbands. You will need to provide your child cleats (no metal cleats allowed) and a mouth guard. We recommend buying more than one mouth guard!

Basketball – We will provide the uniform. You will need to provide your child with appropriate athletic shoes.

What if my child can’t make the evaluation days; can he still play?

Unfortunately, Evaluations are mandatory. In an effort to create competitively even matched teams, the evaluation process is critical.

How many evaluation days does my kid have to attend?

Your child only has to attend one evaluation day.

Can I choose the day my child will be evaluated?

You can bring your child to any one of the evaluation days that we have scheduled.

How long does the Evaluation process take?

Anywhere between 20 – 30 minutes depending on the amount of players that arrive at the same time.