Pickleball Brings Churches Together Through Upward Sports
Many churches are engaging members and building relationships through one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, pickleball. Now, the Christian youth sports organization Upward Sports has added it to its growing list of sports options.
“With its easy-to-learn format and broad appeal, pickleball aligns perfectly with Upward Sports’ desire to support local churches by offering impactful sports experiences,” according to the group. “Whether participants are seasoned players or stepping onto the court for the first time, Upward pickleball offers a welcoming environment for skill development, friendly competition and relationships to be formed.”
Upward Options
Churches can choose from two flexible league options — the traditional format, which includes separate practice and game nights, or the practice and play format, where both activities occur on the same night. This flexibility allows churches to tailor the program to best support their congregation and community.
“As the fastest-growing sport in America, it offers churches an excellent opportunity to bring people together so they can encounter Christ,” Executive Director Kevin Drake said. “Every church that does Upward pickleball will engage with people they would never meet otherwise.”
Pickleball continues to grow in popularity across all age groups and communities, making it an ideal sport for churches seeking to connect with members and neighbors. Its simple rules and broad appeal have helped make it the sport that’s “taking America by storm,” as noted by USA Today.
Local church leaders already are embracing this new offering.
“Upward pickleball is a multigenerational sport giving our church the opportunity to have enthusiastic coaches that foster meaningful relationships with parents and players,” said Pastor Chad Booher of Creekside Church in St. Johns, Fla. “Pickleball provides us a clear means to help everyone experience an overflow of Christ in their life.”
Upward pickleball offers a comprehensive and easy-to-implement league experience, primarily focusing on middle to high schoolers, providing churches with adaptable league structures, coaching resources, apparel and ministry materials to ensure lasting impact.
For nearly 30 years, Upward Sports has empowered churches to use sports as a connection tool for community outreach. With programs in basketball, flag football, soccer, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, softball, running for adults and now pickleball, it continues to provide innovative ways for churches to make a difference through sports and foster the discovery of Jesus.
For more on how churches are using sports to build community and faith, see this feature on Upward Sports’ mission and how local churches are connecting with youth through sports.
For more information, visit Upward Sports Pickleball.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
