A new season of Upward Basketball

Grandpa came to see the girl’s first game of the year.  I thought it was so sweet for him to come and cheer them on.  It is an incredibly busy season with practice and games taking three days a week, but the season is only six weeks long.  So it will be fun, crazy, and tiring, but them I’m sure we’ll miss it when it’s over.  I know we did last year.  That might have been the only successful pass of the night.  Faith’s team consisted of all first time players except for one girl.  It will be fun to see them learn and grow each week.  I know it was last year with Joy’s first season. 

Mist and cheerleaders welcomed Grace onto the court for her first game.  So exciting! 

I really appreciate the Christian focus of Upward.  Before the first game all of the parents joined the kids on the court for prayer. 

The refs don’t just make calls, but they stop the game and explain to the kids what they were doing wrong and how to do it right.  I love that they are constantly instructing.  One of the refs even stopped the game to tie Graces shoe.  I thought that was an awesome picture of the Upward program. 

Grace’s team it appeared were all first time players and they played the many of Joy’s seasoned teammates from last year.  It was a bit grueling to watch, but Grace had a smile on her face and seemed like she was having the time of her life.  After the game one of her teammates asked, “So who won?”  Cute. 

Snacks are served after the game,and I love that coach goes around and tells each child an area that they excelled. 

Joy was SO ready to play.  The opposing team was short players so Joy’s team shared players with them the entire game.  It’s all about learning the game, with a Christlike attitude.  I’m still impressed with Upward!