FAMILIES IN THE MARIANNA AREA ARE PLAYING AND VOLUNTEERING—TOGETHER

Upward Sports League Offers Something for Every Member of the Family

In a time where families are pulled in a million different directions, the First Baptist Church of Marianna is bringing families and the community together. Upward Sports, the world’s largest Christian sports league for children, attracts more than 480,000 volunteers and 520,000 kids worldwide each year with its unique approach—teaching skills for the sports arena and values for life.

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 percent of U.S. children playing organized sports will quit by age 13, and never play again. Children and families, believing that sports can be a positive experience, are participating in an unconventional youth sports league which teaches that the process of competition is just as important as the outcome.

First Baptist Church of Marianna will host two Upward Sports leagues, basketball and cheerleading, beginning in September. Focusing on healthy competition and positive sports environments that build strong self-confidence, Upward Sports equips churches with everything needed to run a competitive but fun, 10-week 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 Sports limits time commitments to one practice and one game per week. Other distinctive aspects of Upward Sports leagues include:

● Unique substitution system 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

To register for the FBCM Upward Sports league, visit www.fbcmarianna.org. Registration fee is $45. Participants must attend one of the following basketball evaluations: Tuesday, August 17 from 6 – 8 p.m.; Thursday, August 19 from 6 – 8 p.m., Saturday, August 21 from 9 – 11 a.m., and Saturday August 28 from 9-11 a.m.

For more information about Upward Sports visit www.upward.org. Practice begins Sept. 13. First game is Sept. 25.



First Baptist Church 2897 Green Street - Marianna, FL 32446

850-526-4200 www.fbcmarianna.org