Upward Basketball

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Upward Unlimited™ is a Christian-based sports organization for kids. The program is also based in Pensacola.


Mission[edit]

To introduce children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports.


WHAT IS UPWARD[edit]

"UPWARD is an evangelistic sports ministry specifically designed for K5 through sixth grade boys and girls that promotes salvation, character, and self-esteem in every child."

Through Upward, Every Child IS a Winner!

Sports are a great way for children to learn about teamwork, respect for authority and sportsmanship. The sad part is all those things are being lost in today’s sporting society. With an Upward sport, these key essentials are included to create the best sporting experience for every child that participates. Each Upward Sport is designed to reveal the winner in every child. Every child plays. Every child learns. Every child IS a Winner!

Upward Programs In Pensacola[edit]

East Brent Baptist Church Pensacola, FL

Olive Baptist Church Pensacola,FL

Myrtle Grove Baptist Church Pensacola,FL

About Upward[edit]

In 1986, through the obedience of a recreation minister named Caz McCaslin, Upward Basketball began at a church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It was God who founded this ministry and has been faithful to see it to realization. Emphasis was placed on Christ-like values and good sportsmanship, not championships. Changed hearts and lives were seen in both those who played basketball and those who administered the league.

With a full gym and 27 children on a waiting list, Caz began evaluating the church grounds to see if anything could be renovated into a basketball court. The estimate for transforming the youth facility back into a gymnasium was over $11,000. After sharing his burden with a friend, he was generously given the funds needed for renovations and 27 children played for free.

When the next basketball season came, Caz was unsure of what to do. He explored the possibilities of building more courts at the church. When Caz approached his friend who had met his needs before, he heard these words. “Caz, you don’t need another gym…” Imagine the disappointment had the sentence ended there. “What you need is 1,000 gyms.” This statement led to the growth of Upward from one church to seven churches, and Upward Unlimited was born. Every new season has brought more leagues, more staff and more opportunities to share the gospel.

Values[edit]

The Priority of Children : We believe that Every Child is A Winner

The Expectation of God-Moments : We believe that God is at work all around us

The Discipline of Excellence : We believe in serving that exceeds expectations

The Life of Integrity : We believe that how we live is more important than what we say

WANT TO KNOW MORE?[edit]

CHECK OUT THESE HELPFUL LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT UPWARD...