Upward Sports is a uniquely designed sports experience that seeks to develop each athlete mentally, athletically, spiritually, and socially. This developmental process is called the 360 Progression. This unique approach is based on Luke 2:52, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.”

New Holland Church of the Nazarene has been offering the Upward Basketball and Cheer program to the community since 2005.

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

Registration for the 2027 Upward season will open on October 3rd, 2026. 

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.

First practices will be held the week of January 4th, 2027.

First games will be held on January 8th & 9th, 2027.

Last weekend for games is February 26th & 27th, 2027.

End of Season Celebration for Levels 1-3 will be February 26th & 27th, 2027.

Championship Saturday for Level 4 teams will be determined at a later date.

Level 1-3 will have one practice for 1 hour each week.
Level 4 will have one practice for 1.5 hours each week.

Upward basketball offers four levels of competition. Most athletes are placed by school grade. As Upward basketball is a developmental program each level of play introduces players to new skills and challenges.  

Level 1- Kindergarten

Level 2- 1st-2nd Grade

Level 3- 3rd-4th Grade

Level 4- 5th-9th Grade

Upward Evaluation Dates

Kindergarten through 4th grade: November 2nd, 3rd, & 5th at New Holland Church of the Nazarene (428 Ranck Rd New Holland PA).

5th Grade through 9th Grade: Either Saturday, November 14th or Saturday, November 21st

The 2027 registration cost is:
Kindergarten through 4th grade (Levels 1-3) cost $85
5th through 9th grade (Level) cost $95
 
Your child’s practice night, time and location will be announced prior to the 2027 season.

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

Please click the button below 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. 

Your child’s practice night, time and location will be announced prior to the 2027 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 for the 2026 season were played at New Holland Church of the Nazarene, Christian Fellowship Church and Garden Spot Middle School gym.

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.