Crosswater Church will begin an Upward Sports league in September following the development of the fields behind the church this year.
Registration is currently open for children who wish to participate. The cost is $105 for participants who register by Aug. 28. According to Pastor Todd Kornahrens, more than 60 kids have already registered. Registration will close Sept. 1.
The program will start with soccer in September, then move on to flag football and cheer in the spring. Leagues will be separated by age group according to the number of applicants.
Upward is a faith-based league that focuses on progression and equal playing time according to substitution charts that allow kids to receive equal attention and coaching. Kornahrens said with this program, special attention will be paid to help children improve mentally, spiritually, socially and athletically.
“I believe in our ‘win at any cost’ society, the joy and development of youth sports have been lost,” he said. “At this age, no scholarship is being given and nobody is making it to the pros, so we can let them develop their skills, have fun and grow as a people. We keep it competitive, because we want children to be challenged, but we also keep it positive by letting them know that sometimes winning has nothing to do with the scoreboard.”
The league requires shin guards and strongly recommends cleats, but a uniform, water bottle, car magnet and end-of-season gift are included in the cost. The program will last eight weeks; practices will be held on Monday and Tuesday nights, with children practicing on one of the two nights. Two practice sessions will be held on each night at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Parents may register online at www.registration.upward.org/UPW61665. An on-site evaluation date where parents may also register is to be announced.
