Our Vision: To seek out the "27", because "somewhere in a cave a story about a man needs to be told." Our Mission:To introduce children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports.
Basketball & Cheerleading for K/5 - 8th Grade Boys and Girls
Welcome to the First Baptist Wentzville's Upward Sports Ministry! 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. Upward Sports are designed to reveal the winner in every child.
The 2013 season will mark the fifth season for Upward Sports here at FBC-W, and we're excited to bring you a sports experience like no other.
Our Special Needs division, the "Shining Stars" is back this year
Open to children through age 21 with developmental delays and disabilities, of any ability or mobility, our Shining Stars teams will provide a positive and encouraging environment in which to play and learn the sport with a 1:1 adult/child ratio, as needed per child. For a downloadable information sheet Click Here For additional questions, please contact us using the link at top left. In the meantime, enjoy the video below for a glimpse into what our Shining Stars division looks like.
Please Note: We have removed the Carpool Link option when registering:
Due to the logistics required to schedule practices for over 600 children in 8 or more gymnasiums throughout western St. Charles county, we are no longer able to grant carpool requests. Thank you for your patience as we work to serve you. Thank you also for understanding that it is our goal to provide a league that exceeds your expectations, while maintaining the principles upon which Upward Sports was founded, one of which is creating evenly-matched teams to bring out the winner in EVERY child.
Registration for the 2013 Basketball & Cheerleading season is OPEN Register Here Today!
All participants must attend an Evaluation/Orientation. Please plan on this process taking about one hour. Save time by registering early. Evaluations will take place at:
United Methodist Church
725 Wall Street in Wentzville, as follows:
**Cheerleaders (K through 8th grade) and families with children in multiple divisions may come any date listed below.
5th through 8th Grade Boys/Girls
Thursday, November 1, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Kindergarten, 3rd and 4th Grade Boys/Girls
Friday, November 2, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Boys/Girls
Saturday, November 2, between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
VALUES The Expectation of God Moments - We believe that God is at work all around us. Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
The Life of Integrity - We believe that how we live is more important than what we say. Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
The Discipline of Excellence - We believe in serving that exceeds expectations. Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
The Priority of Children - We believe that Every Child Is A Winner. Matthew 18:14 - In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
Mirrors Or Windows Music Video Click on the video area below to play video
WHY UPWARD SPORTS BASKETBALL & UPWARD SPORTS CHEERLEADING? Upward Sports Basketball & Upward Sports Cheerleading offer a break from the norm. The primary focus of Upward Sports is to develop the Winner in EVERY child, not just a few. By keeping this goal in mind, we're able to build a league that promotes salvation, character, and self-esteem in all who participate.
WHAT IS UPWARD SPORTS BASKETBALL? Upward Sports is an evangelistic sports ministry specifically designed for K-5 through sixth-grade boys and girls. Upward Sports Basketball seeks to develop the self-esteem of each participant, while teaching respect for authority, sportsmanship, character, and athletic skills of the sport.
WHAT IS UPWARD SPORTS CHEERLEADING? Upward Sports Cheerleading is an evangelistic sports ministry specifically designed for K-5 through sixth-graders. Upward Sports Cheerleading is designed to be done in conjunction with Upward Sports Basketball. Upward Sports Cheerleading seeks to develop the self-esteem of each participant, while teaching respect for authority, sportsmanship, character, and cheerleading skills.
WHAT MAKES UPWARD SPORTS DIFFERENT? - Training coaches and referees to minister by teaching and encouraging.
- Maximizing the family schedule by allowing for only one hour of practice and a one-hour game each week.
- Using a set substitution system to give all players equal playing time.
- Not keeping score in the K-5 and 1st & 2nd grade divisions.
- Not maintaining league standings in any division.
- Exposing participants to Scripture-based devotions during each practice and sharing devotions with spectators at each game.
- Encouraging each participant with a game-day award following every game.
- Seeking to incorporate participants and their families into a local church after the season is complete.
FAQs For Parents What age group is Upward Sports for and what sports are currently offered? Upward Sports is designed for K-5 through 6th grade children. Current Upward Sports programs include Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, and Cheerleading (in conjunction with Basketball and Flag Football). At this time, First Baptist Church Wentzville is offering Basketball & Cheerleading. God has given us a vision that includes bringing Upward Sports Flag Football and Soccer to the area within the next five years.
How much does it cost for my child to participate in Upward Sports Basketball & Cheerleading? Through the cooperative partnering agreement between FBC-W and FBC-O, the early registration fee for Upward Sports Basketball is $70 and Cheerleading is $75. The early registration deadline is October 23, 2011. After October 23rd, the registration fee increases by $10. The registration deadline is November 12, 2011. To view the league calendar, CLICK HERE To view a list of items each participant receives, CLICK HERE
How much of a time commitment is this on our family? Our Upward Sports league will have a one hour practice on one night during the week starting the first week in January, with games starting a few weeks after the first practice. Games are one hour on Saturdays for 8 weeks. Therefore, the time commitment is two hours per week once games begin. With busy family schedules, this setup is ideal, and we continue to hear that it works great for volunteers, participants, and families.
In other sports leagues, my child did not get to play as much as other children. How is an Upward Sports league different in that regard? Upward Sports trains its church partners to implement a league that ensures all registered children will play. As coaches are trained on the Upward Sports substitution system, they are given parameters for substituting players in and out of the game. The substitution system provides every child the opportunity to be in the starting lineup, requires no child to sit out back-to-back segments, and allows every child to play at least half of the game.
What can I expect from coaches in an Upward Sports league? Upward Sports, FBC-W and FBC-O understand that for most participants and their families, the difference between a good and bad sports league experience is the coach. The role of the coach is to uphold the VALUES OF UPWARD SPORTS. Their success is not determined by wins and losses, but by how they convey the love of Christ to each participant.
Not My Vision Music Video Click on the video area below to play video
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