Upward Basketball & Soccer at Emmanuel

Upward Sports is a nationally known recreation ministry to reach children and their families through the impact of sports. Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship offers children in grades kindergarten through grade 6 the opportunity to participate in a fall basketball league and a winter soccer league. The fall basketball league generally begins around the time school starts through the end of October while the winter soccer league kicks off soon after the children return from the Christmas break and lasts through March.
The season consists of an 8-game schedule with a 1-hour practice each week. Games are held on consecutive Saturdays for both leagues and include an opening prayer and halftime devotions for the spectators. The children are introduced before each game and playing time is broken up evenly for each child. The children participate in weekly devotions with their coaches at practice and are encouraged to memorize Scripture throughout the season. The season is concluded with an end of the year awards program where each child is recognized with an end of the year award. The gospel is also presented to all in attendance by a guest speaker and his program.

The backbone of the ministry are the Upward Prayer Partners who are asked to pray for the ministry and specific items of the ministry through its 100-days of prayer program. Other ministry opportunities are available through coaching, referring games, greeting people during games, sharing devotions, and being a team parent.