FAQ
frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most asked questions about Upward Sports. Please let us know if you have any additional questions about the league. Contact Us.
There are divisions for boys and girls starting at age 5 (with some 4 year olds with parent request) through 8th grade. Below are the different divisions and grade break downs:
Standard registration cost $68 which includes the uniform. Optional matching basketball shorts or cheer mock turtleneck cost an additional $15.
For the 2010-2011 basketball season there were 525 boys and girls who participated. Approximately 85 girls did cheerleading.
The Kindergarten and 1st - 2nd grade divisions play their games at Walnut Creek Community Church (900 64th St, Des Moines). The 3rd - 4th grade, 5th - 6th grade, and 7th - 8th grade divisions play their games at The Downtown Church (323 E Walnut St, Des Moines).
Games are played on Saturdays, starting at 8 am with the last games ending around 5pm. It’s possible that your child could have 1 game on a Friday night.
Games last approximately 60 minutes.
Practices are held at various Des Moines Elementary Schools, Walnut Creek Community Church and The Downtown Church. While not guaranteed, Upward staff attempt to make practice locations as convenient as possible for families.
Practices are held starting at 4:30pm with the last practices beginning at 7:30pm. When your child attends one of the scheduled basketball evaluations, you will complete a practice availability form which will indicate which days and times you are able to have practice. Generally, younger participates have practices earlier in the evening, while older children will have a higher likelihood of having practice at one of later times.
Practices last 60 minutes. It is recommended that players arrive early for practice to allow time for the following: change into gym shoes, shorts, and be ready to start practice on time.
Upward Sports is the largest faith-based youth sports program in the world, hosted by over 2,600 churches. Des Moines Upward is hosted be Walnut Creek Community Church. Their are 3 total churches in the Des Moines area that offer Upward Sports leagues.
Upward Basketball and Cheerleading practices begin early January. Games begin mid January with the last game towards the middle of March. The Upward Awards Celebration concludes the season within a couple days of the last game. Registration begins in late summer and ends when divisions are full. Evaluations are held in November and early December. Here is this season’s evaluation schedule.
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