An exciting and fun sports league for youth in grades 1-6th that seeks to develop character in every participant, providing an opportunity for improvement and stressing sportsmanship in every situation, while helping players and families find and follow Jesus.
UPWARD
Basketball & Cheerleading: Play with Purpose
Key Information
- What: Basketball and Cheerleading League
- Who: Basketball: Boys and Girls grades 1-6th (2025-26 school year)
(1-2nd grade division is coed)
Cheerleading: Girls grades 1-6th (2025-26 school year) - Where: Highlands Community Church Family Life Center
- When: January 5 to March 14, 2026 (10 – weeks)
- Fee: $105 per child includes:
- Basketball – reversible jersey, t-shirt, game snacks and season gift
- Cheerleading – cheer top & skort, poms, megaphone, game snacks & season gift
- Partial scholarships available. Contact Jeff Belmondo for an application.
Key Dates
September 24 (7:00 PM): Online registration opens
October 4 and 18: Basketball skill assessments (see FAQs)
January 5: Practices begin
January 17: Jamboree (all teams)
January 23/24: First games
January 31: Picture Day
March 14/15: Last games
Practices & Games
Players and cheerleaders are expected to participate in practices and games. Both are key elements of the program
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need to attend practices & games?
Practices and games are key elements of the program. All participants are expected to participate in both.
Can I request a specific coach for my child?
Participants are not allowed to select their coach. They are assigned to teams using registration information and for players, basketball skill assessments, to help create balanced teams.
Can my child request to be on a friend’s team?
If this is your child’s first year in HCC Upward and was invited by a friend, please let us know during the registration process by giving us the friend’s first and last name. We will attempt to place your child with that friend. (Applies to first year HCC Upward participants only).
Can I request a specific practice night?
No – however, if you desire, during registration you will have the opportunity to choose one exclusion night. We will attempt to honor this exclusion night request.
What is the purpose of skill assessments?
All basketball players must attend a 15-minute individual skill assessment on October 4 or 18th. This involves basic dribbling, shooting and running. It is NOT a test. The information from the assessments helps build balanced teams.
What is the refund policy?
If your child is registered but subsequently unable to play before their first practice, we will provide a full refund. No refunds will be made once practices begin the week of January 5th.
Build Community
Encourage your children to invite a friend.
Upward provides a unique opportunity to reach out to your community and neighborhoods. In previous years, over half of the new participants learned about Upward from a friend. Invite a friend to join in the fun!
You can be a part of Upward too!
You don’t have to be athletic to help. You just need a heart for children, a passion for sharing Christ’s love with them and a desire to see them learn and grow.
Upward volunteer positions include:
- Coaches and Assistant coaches
- Referees
- Prayer Partners
To volunteer or to get more information, please contact Jeff Belmondo, League Director, at jeffbelmondo@hotmail.com .
For more information about Upward Sports go to www.upward.org
