Here are some ways you can help by volunteering in your community.
Upward volunteers are a blessing not only to the League but to the kids & families they impact each season. Our volunteers return year after year because they make a difference and because the time they donate can be as little as they like.
Here is more information about each role and how you can help:
Coaches & Assistant Coaches - The main role of a coach is to serve as a role model and mentor to participants both on and off the court. With supportive coaches that help to create a positive sports environment, Upward is designed to bring out the winner in every child—regardless of the game’s score. As an Upward coach you will invest time that will better prepare each child for the wins and losses of life while improving their skills for the game they love. The Upward Coach’s main goal is to deliver a fun Upward experience to the children and their families. On average there are about ten players per team or squad. Not an expert in any of the sports offered? Don’t let that stop you from volunteering. Upward provides you with all training and materials needed for you to be a great coach. Families are a priority with Upward, so the family friendly Upward season is formatted to where it only takes a few hours of your time a week.
Referees - Have you ever seen a referee be encouraged by the fans at a game after they make a call? That is the environment that Upward works to establish. Refereeing Upward Sports is a combination of hands on coaching and making calls to help the children better understand the game. As a referee you will be in charge of maintaining a fun and competitive atmosphere. As the one responsible for the do’s and don’ts of the sport; you will have the opportunity to reinforce what the coach has worked on that week in practice.
Don’t know the sport well enough to ref? Upward provides you with all the resources you need to successfully ref a game. Families are a priority with Upward, so the family friendly Upward season is formatted where game days will be on Saturdays and each game is limited to one hour.
Scoreboard Operator - The 3rd/4th grade and 5th/6th grade games keep score. Though the goal of an Upward Basketball game is not the final score, it is an indicator of how a team is progressing through the season.
Half-Time Devotion Speaker - Do you love to share the word of God to others? As a Half Time Devotion Leader you have the opportunity to share a biblical message at the half time of games. The 5 minute message can be your own or you can use one of ours...in either case, sharing a motivation message is the goal. You can pick and choose games based on your schedule.
Game Day setup or cleanup - Just as it says, this role is a real stress reliever for the Upward Commissioner at each of our Partner Churches. Game Day set up/take down takes approximately 90 minutes and is great for older kids and adults.
Awards Night Volunteer - Kids tell us that the 4 greats of Upward are: running thru the tunnel, playing/cheering games, meeting new friends and awards night. Upward Awards Night is an uplifting experience and a major production for our League. The night is fast paced, featuring a nationally known entertainer, gifts and celebration. The team begins meeting in December and involves approximately 40 people.
Prayer Partner - Join those who offer daily prayer for 100 days for the league and all those involved. Each of the nine church partners recruit 100 people to pray for the players, parents and the league.
NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED AND TRAINING IS PROVIDED!
To find out more about how you can help, please contact one of the participating churches or click here to contact us via basketball@cincyupward.org
