How religious is Upward basketball? (I know it's the wrong season, but I'm thinking ahead)

[Anonymous]

We are not at all religious and my kids don't even have basic familiarity with anything Jesus-related. I wouldn't mind a basic prayer and talk of values, but if they are all couched in bible verses, I wouldn't be as comfortable.

The reason I am even interested is that my 5 year old loves basketball and wants to play like his older brother and the other leagues don't start until 1st grade.

Also, I have heard very positive things about it as a program, but everyone I have asked about it goes to church regularly.

Does anyone non-religious or non-Christian have experience with Upward?

[Anonymous]

My son played. They had a short lesson and a brief prayer before the games. The lesson was usually related to sportsmanship, kindness, etc. Our program wasn't overly religious.

The thing I found the strangest was the behavior of the parents from the Southern Baptist church. They were so mean-spirited and down right ugly. The other teams were nowhere near as bad. But those Baptists were just mean.

[Anonymous]

Probably thought their kids would go to hell if they lost.

[Anonymous]

I'll agree with the poster. The church aspect is pretty canned and related to sportsmanship, respect, manners etc. It's not enough to make you find Jesus and it it wasn't to much to make you run away either.

I'm not overly religious myself and didn't find it to be either a hindrance or help.

[Anonymous]

My experience is that Upward leagues are for special needs kids from religious families; kids who for a variety of reasons, wouldn't be able to handle the frenetic, fast paced competitive environment of local youth sports. Emphasis on participation, not even skill building. A team sport for those unsuited elsewhere and for non athletes.

My nephew from a non religious family played one season I basketball. He has anxiety and a sensory processing disorder. Very difficult to be in a loud environment and wouldn't be able to listen to standard coaching directions from sidelines.
Nephew made it through one season, but really isn't athletic or sports-minded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My experience is that Upward leagues are for special needs kids from religious families; kids who for a variety of reasons, wouldn't be able to handle the frenetic, fast paced competitive environment of local youth sports. Emphasis on participation, not even skill building. A team sport for those unsuited elsewhere and for non athletes.

My nephew from a non religious family played one season I basketball. He has anxiety and a sensory processing disorder. Very difficult to be in a loud environment and wouldn't be able to listen to standard coaching directions from sidelines.
Nephew made it through one season, but really isn't athletic or sports-minded.

It is a church run rec League. It isn't meant to be competitive and at the early elementary ages it does focus on skills. But no, it is no way shape or form a competitive option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My experience is that Upward leagues are for special needs kids from religious families; kids who for a variety of reasons, wouldn't be able to handle the frenetic, fast paced competitive environment of local youth sports. Emphasis on participation, not even skill building. A team sport for those unsuited elsewhere and for non athletes.

My nephew from a non religious family played one season I basketball. He has anxiety and a sensory processing disorder. Very difficult to be in a loud environment and wouldn't be able to listen to standard coaching directions from sidelines.
Nephew made it through one season, but really isn't athletic or sports-minded.

Not true in my experience at all. Most of the kids on my son's team also played for their school team. They saw it as extra practice time.