SPARTANBURG, S.C. /Christian News/ — In an era of sports when trash talking, win-at-all-cost mentalities and fights on the field seem to be the norm, it’s no wonder that 70 percent¹ of U.S. children playing organized sports will quit by age 13, and never play again. Believing that sports can be a positive experience, kids and families are participating in an unconventional youth sports league which teaches that the process of competition is just as important as the outcome.

Since 1995, more than 3.1 million children have participated in sports through Upward – the world’s largest Christian sports league for children. Today some 2,600 churches worldwide host Upward sports leagues and provide coaching and mentoring to some 520,000 kids in basketball, flag-football, soccer and cheerleading.

“Upward teaches skills for the arena and values for life-including sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity and respect for authority,” said Upward President Caz McCaslin. “In response to parents’ cries to ‘stop the madness’ of kids’ crazy sports schedules, Upward Sports leagues have only one practice and game per week-creating a convenient, family-friendly atmosphere.”

Focusing on healthy competition and positive sports environments that build strong self-confidence, Upward equips churches with everything needed to run a competitive but fun sports program for children K5 – sixth grade. Each year, more than 1 million people from 46 states and four countries play, coach, referee or volunteer in Upward sports leagues.

To avoid player and parent burn out, Upward limits time commitments to one practice and one game per week. Other distinctive aspects of Upward sports leagues include:

• Unique substitution system is designed to provide every child equal playing time, competing against an equally matched opponent
• Competitive games with strict adherence to a proprietary drafting system that guarantees balanced talent on each team
• Supportive coaches that bring out “the winner” in every child regardless of the game’s score

¹ National Alliance for Sports http://life.familyeducation.com/sports/behavior/29512.html