Upward Sports
Welcome to Upward Sports at Northside Church
Upward Sports
Promoting the discovery of Jesus through sports
Since 1995, millions of young athletes across the United States have participated in sports programs run by churches using Upward Sports.
Northside Church has one of the largest, best-run Upward Sports programs in the country.
Since 2008, hundreds of children build and grow their relationship with Jesus while learning valuable skills playing basketball and cheerleading. Since then we have expanded our program to include Soccer and Flag Football. Upward also helps hundreds of adult coaches build stronger relationships with their community and their faith.
Upward Divisions, (grade entering in the fall):
Level 1- K/5 + 1st Grade Joint Boys + Girls Division
Level 2- 2nd Grade Joint Boys + Girls Division
Level 3- 3rd + 4th Grade Separate Boys + Girls Divisions
Level 4- (5-7th Boys) (5-6th Girls) Divisions
Level 5- (8-10th Boys) (7-10th Girls) Divisions
Cheer- (K/5 – 6th grade) Girls Division
UPWARD SEASON REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 1st at 8:00am
Welcome to Upward at Northside Church- we are thrilled to have you! All Basketball and Cheer games will be held at Northside Church (7965 Oswego Road Liverpool, NY 13090). Practices will be held at Northside Church and local schools. The Upward Leadership team will send full season scheduling information before the first practice.
Our Purpose
To provide the best sports experience for every child.
Our Mission
To promote the discovery of Jesus through sports.
Our Values
We believe that God is at work all around us.
Upward Sports
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Discovery
Learn right from wrong. Children will discover rules, objectives, and a love for the game.
Get in the game. Introducing kids to skills to play the game.
Discover life’s purpose. Help children understand Christ’s plan and their part in it.
Connect with teammates. Encouraging play with peers and beginning new relationships.
discovery
development
Development
Play smart. Make strategic game decisions and learn from outcomes.
Take it to the next level. Push skills up a notch, discovering strengths and weaknesses.
Seek your calling. Start where you are today and grow with experience.
See the value in differences. Compliment your teammates’ strengths with your own.
Performance
Choose the path to victory. Play intentionally, act wisely, and master your game.
Play hard and don’t turn back. Play to your strengths, compete fiercely, and own the game.
Live out God’s plan with conviction. Serve others and model character.
Recognize true friendships. Putting others’ needs above your own.
performance
Upward Basketball
Kindergarten-10th
Upward cheerleading
Kindergarten-6th
Upward Flag Football
7-14 Years Old
Upward Soccer
5-12 Years Old
UPWARD SEASON REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 1st at 8:00am
Welcome to Upward at Northside Church- we are thrilled to have you! All Basketball and Cheer games will be held at Northside Church (7965 Oswego Road Liverpool, NY 13090). Practices will be held at Northside Church and local schools. The Upward Leadership team will send full season scheduling information before the first practice.
Upward Flag Football & Soccer Divisions (based on the child’s age as of 12/31/25):
6U- 5 and 6 year olds
8U- 7 and 8 year olds
10U- 9 and 10 year olds
12U- 11 and 12 year olds
What Upward Teaches
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