St Peters Upward Basketball

The idea of offering Upward Basketball and Cheerleading in the Western Communities was born from a conversation between Bishop Richard "Dick" Wills and Rev. Rainer Richter. St. Peter’s had just completed the Family Life Center, a multi use facility, and Rev. Richter was searching for ways to reach out to the community. Bishop Wills shared the vision of Caz McCaslin who founded the Upward program in Spartangburg, SC in 1995. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Rev. Richter decided that Upward Basketball and Cheerleading was a great way for St. Peter’s to share God’s love with children through the venue of sports.

Children’s Coordinator, John Sullivan had the difficult task of finding just the right people to create a Christian faith-based, Christ-centered program that provides a fun environment for children to learn healthy competition, fundamental skills for the sport, and values for life. Founding directors Chris Moore and Brett Beckwith far exceeded every expectation! The foundation they built laid the groundwork for meaningful experiences for children, parents, and volunteers. St. Peter’s Upward program has continued to thrive and under the leadership of incredible volunteers.

About Upward Sports

Established in 1995, Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports provider. Today, approximately half a million players at more than 2,000 churches in 47 states participate in camps, clinics, and leagues through Upward Sports’ Recreation Division.

Our Mission
Promoting the Discovery of Jesus Through Sports.

Our Values

•   The Expectation of God Moments
We believe that God is at work all around us.
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10
•   The Life of Integrity
We believe that how we live is more important than what we say.
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. - Galatians 2:20
•   The Opportunity to Serve
We believe that it is a privilege to serve others.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. - Mark 10:45
•   The Discipline of Excellence
We believe in exceeding expectations.
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. - Colossians 3:17
•   The Priority of Children
We believe that every child is a winner.
In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost. - Matthew 18:14

How do I register?

Please check the Registration tab on this page. you will find a link to the registration form.

When can I register?

Registration is open from August 15 through November 1.

Is my registration refundable if we are unable to play?

No. Registration fees are non~refundable. If your child is unable to play, you may find another player who fits the uniform to take that place.

I do not attend St. Peter’s. May we register?

Upward is open to EVERYONE! Yes, you may register. This is a Faith based league. We do promote the love of Jesus through sports. Each week we focus on a Bible Verse and talk about God’s love in a way the children will understand.

Can my VPK child participate?

Yes! As long as your child is enrolled in a VPK program.

My child has never played basketball before. Will my child fit in here?

Absolutely YES! Upward is open to children of ALL skill levels! Beginners look up to those skilled players and the skilled players enjoy helping the beginners! This is a man~on~man league so your child will be guarding one other child who will be a similar skill level.

Will my child be sitting on the bench the entire game?

No. We play all players the same. The coaches have each player in a rotation!

When are evaluations?

Evaluations will be:

November 7 and 8. Details will be emailed after registration closes.

What time are evaluations?

Times will be announced after registration closes. Your child will choose a uniform size and then go through a set of skills and once completed, is able to leave. Please do not drop your child off!

When will I hear from my child’s coach??

Coaches are given rosters at a coaches meeting and will contact players in early December.

Can I choose my child’s coach?

No. Coaches requests can not be honored at this time. Players are placed on teams in accordance to an Upward program, using evaluation scores. (If you would like your child to be on a friends team, consider coaching with their parent.)

Can my child be on a friends team?

Yes and No!

For Cheerleading: Yes! Cheerleaders may cheer with friends as long as there is space on the squad. The more moms and dads willing to help, the more squads we can form.

For Basketball: Buddy requests will not be honored. We will, however, place a buddy with another buddy if both children’s parents are coaching together. All coaches will have their child on their team. Two adult coaches per team.

Can my kids practice on the same night?

If your child is a cheerleader, we can do our best to find a squad that matches on the same night. If it is just basketball players, we are not able to guarantee same night practice. In the past we have moved kids around and this has formed unfair skill level teams. To ensure the players have a fair match up, we will be using the Upward program and not changing players.

When does practice begin and how long is it? Practice Times?

Practice begins the first week of January. Practices are on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Each practice is one hour long.
Practice times are:

6-7PM

7-8PM

My child’s practice falls on a day off of school or a holiday, will there still be a practice?

Yes! We do not close the gym for holidays or days off of school.

When are games and when do they begin?

Games are on Saturdays. The first game is January 13, 2024.

My child is going to miss a practice or a game, what do I do?

Please let your coach know ahead of time so they can plan their rotation.

I do not want to purchase pictures, do I still need to come to picture day?

Yes! Your child’s team will be taking a team photo and we would like your child to be in it!

What is the Award Celebration?

Each season we end with an award celebration in the sanctuary at 10am. This is a time in the morning when the whole league comes together to thank and congratulate the coaches and players and cheerleaders. Each player and cheerleader receives and Upward gift. All participants attending the celebration will also receive a trophy. Trophies are not a part of the Upward program, we purchase them on the side. This is a bonus for coming to the celebration. Please plan ahead to attend this very special moment in your child’s Upward journey.

What time are your church services?

We offer 2 services each Sunday. Everyone is welcome.

9:30am ~ Contemporary Service / Sunday School Classes

11:00am ~ Traditional Services / Children's Church

How Upward Basketball & Cheerleading became a ministry of St. Peter's UMC...