Since 1995, Upward Sports has been helping churches use athletics as a way to share the love of Jesus. At Northside Church in Liverpool, NY, we’ve seen that mission play out in ways that are personal and powerful.
We’ve been offering this program for nearly two decades, and it’s incredible to see how many people have gotten involved by volunteering to coach, work concessions, or cheer on the teams.
For many families, Upward Sports is their first step into church. For our Sports & Rec Director, Brian Kelly, that was exactly the case.
From the Court to a Calling
Brian didn’t come to Northside looking for a church. He came for basketball 15 years ago.
“I actually came to Northside for the very first time for an Upward Basketball practice, with no idea that it was a church,” Brian shares. “I just wanted to coach. I love basketball.”
What started as an opportunity to coach alongside his brother quickly became something much deeper.
“I found Northside through Upward… and it’s my own testimony. It’s the reason that I came.”
Since then, Brian has dedicated his life to helping others experience the same thing.
Upward Sports
To help raise well-rounded young men and women who know they are loved by God, we focus on MASS: Mentally, Athletically, Spiritually, and Socially.
“There are no tryouts and no cuts. Every child makes a team. That’s what makes Upward Sports so special. Every kid gets the chance to play, grow, and enjoy the game alongside their friends,” says Brian.
We offer Upward seasons throughout the year for kids of all ages and skill levels. Practices and games take place at local schools in our community, as well as right here at Northside. With two gyms dedicated to Upward, including games played in our very own worship center!
Moments That Matter
Every Upward game includes something you won’t find in most youth sports leagues. Before each game, players, coaches, and leaders gather together to pray. Just this basketball season, we’ve had 63 athletes and 3 coaches all give their lives to Christ.
“We’ve seen countless families come to know Jesus and grow in a relationship with Him because of Upward,” Brian says. “Sometimes it takes time (planting seeds, building relationships) but we get to see God work through it all.”
Those moments are why this ministry matters so deeply.
A Growing Ministry With Real Limitations
By God’s grace, Upward Sports at Northside has grown tremendously over the years, but that growth has brought us to a difficult reality.
Each winter season, we are forced to turn away 150-160 kids from our basketball program, not because we want to, but because we’ve run out of space.
Limited gym time.
Limited fields.
Limited capacity.
“It absolutely wrecks us to turn anyone away,” Brian shares. “Without this program, there’s a disconnect from the community to this church. Sports is a non-threatening way for people to walk in the doors and hear the Gospel.”
Every child represents a story and an opportunity to grow with God.
Made For More
We believe God is still writing that story and that we are made for more.
Through our Made for More campaign, we’re trusting God to expand our space so we can:
- Welcome more kids and families
- Grow our sports programs
- Create more opportunities for connection
- Continue pointing people to Jesus
This will help Northside remove barriers so more people can walk through our doors, just like Brian did years ago.
You Can Be Part of It
The impact of Upward Sports takes people who are willing to step in and make a difference.
“If you care about kids, the Lord, or sports,” Brian says, “we can use you in a huge, huge way.”
Here’s how you can help:
- Volunteer to be a coach or referee
- Support the Made for More campaign
- Invite families from Liverpool, Clay, Cicero, Baldwinsville, and surrounding areas
God is Just Getting Started
Upward Sports is the story Brian is living. At Northside Church, we believe sports can be the starting point for something eternal, and the best is still ahead.
“Every day when people ask why this matters,” he says, “it’s because it’s my own testimony. And I get to see it play out in other people’s lives.”
Let’s make room for more.
Watch more on our YouTube Channel.
