What is Upward?

Upward is an evangelistic sports ministry dedicated to promoting community outreach, developing volunteer leadership in your church, and sharing the love of Christ with children and their families. Upward sports ministries seek to develop the self-esteem of each participant, while teaching sportsmanship, character, athletic skills, and respect for authority in every situation.

Upward Basketball was founded by Caz McCaslin. Since it's beginning in 1986, the emphasis has been upon Christ-likeness and good sportsmanship, not championships and trophies. It was founded upon Colossians 3:17: "Whatever you do, whether in word of deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Today, there are over 100,000 children participating in Upward worldwide in both basketball and cheerleading.