Frequently Asked Questions

Upward is a program designed to give children, both boys and girls and their families, a positive sports experience by partnering with local churches to build character, self esteem, skill development and spiritual growth. This is done by providing: Equal playing time for every player, Separate leagues for boys and girls, a one hour practice and game each week of the season, an evaluation process to provide equal opportunity for improvement, a devotion time during each practice, upward is a national organization and you can learn more about them at their website, www.upward.org
 
New Holland Nazarene has been offering the Upward program to the community since 2005. Because of popularity and limited space in our facility, we have partnered with Christian Fellowship Church and ELANCO School District, in order to be fully effective.

Any boy or girl, K5 through 9th grade, in the New Holland and surrounding area.

Registration is open for the 2022-2023 Season, Click here to sign up your athlete.

Girls and boys only play on the same team at the K5 level of the program. Depending upon number of participants the New Holland Upward basketball program endeavors to offer separate divisions for boys and girls beginning at first grade.

Upwards dates for our 2023 season will be released at a later time. 

There are many ways you can volunteer in our upward program, from helping in our Swish Cafe to coaching a basketball team. 

Please click here to find out more information about ways you can get involved in our Upward program.

*Please note that many volunteer positions require current clearances for all who are over the age of 18. 

K5 – 4th grade have 1 practice per week for 1 hour, while 5th grade and up have 1 practice per week for 1.5 hours.
Your child’s practice night, time and location will be announced prior to the 2023 season.
 
Due to some of our practice locations serving as early childhood learning centers and schools, spectators or family members will be not be able to enter those practice facilities. Athletes will be dropped off at the entrance to a facility.

Games will be played on Friday between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM or Saturday between 8:00 AM to 5 PM.


Games are currently played at New Holland Church of the Nazarene, Christian Fellowship Church and Twin Valley Bible Chapel.

We want to provide a healthy environment for all children in our program. Please help us achieve this task by keeping your family home if they have any of the following symptoms and/or illnesses:
– Fever greater than 100.4
– Runny nose with sign of infection (green, yellow, or brown tinted discharge)
– Undiagnosed rashes, sores or other skin conditions
– Sore throat
– Excessive coughing
– Diarrhea or vomiting
– Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
– Head lice
– Impetigo
– Active chicken pox
– Measles/ Mumps
– Any other contagious disease or symptoms
 
If a child is on antibiotics, he/she should be on medication for at least 24 hours before returning to Upward. In addition, the child should also be fever free and have stopped diarrhea and vomiting for a full 24 hours before returning to Upward.
Parents should advise us if their child has a continually clear-runny nose or rash due to non-contagious allergies.