Nation’s Largest Christian Youth Sports Program Celebrates 30 Years
Upward Sports is celebrating three decades of partnering with churches to use sports as a bridge to engage families, strengthen communities and point people to the love of Christ. It is the largest Christian sports ministry in the nation, according to its website.
Since its founding in Spartanburg, S.C., in 1995, the organization has grown into a nationwide movement, offering programs in basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, softball and pickleball. In 2024, it expanded to include adult running programs, broadening its reach to entire families and multiple generations.
“For 30 years, Upward Sports has been committed to partnering with local churches across America,” Executive Director Kevin Drake said. “Millions and millions of children, youth and adults have encountered Christ through Upward experiences. God has blessed us with robust growth. As we seek to honor him, we are grateful.”
Upward Sports has become known not only for its innovative sports programming but also for its commitment to equipping churches to reach their local communities. By combining athletic development with spiritual growth, the ministry has helped transform lives and build lasting relationships across neighborhoods and cities.
“Upward’s mission has always been bigger than the scoreboard,” Board Chair Tully Brewer said. “We celebrate this anniversary by honoring the millions of volunteers, coaches, churches, families and players who have invested their time and hearts into making a difference. The past 30 years remind us of what’s possible when the church and community come together, and we believe the next 30 will have an even greater impact.”
As the organization celebrates this milestone, it remains committed to its mission of promoting the discovery of Jesus through sports, equipping churches to reach their communities one league, one season and one life at a time.
“Our desire is to come alongside your church to advance your mission, reach families in your city and promote Jesus through the avenue of sports,” the ministry website says. “Together, we will customize the best sports experience for your church, strengthening your outreach efforts.:
More information is available at www.upward.org.
–Alan Goforth
