UPWARD BASKETBALL

More Than a Game

Upward gives kids a place to learn basketball, build confidence, make friends, and discover how faith in Jesus can shape the way they live—on and off the court.
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A basketball league built for more.

Kids come to Upward to play basketball. Along the way, they learn what it means to be a good teammate, persevere through challenges, encourage others, and grow in character and faith.
For 25 years, First Methodist has used Upward Basketball to serve Tulsa families and share the love of Jesus through sports. Every practice and game is designed to help kids develop as players while reminding them that who they are becoming matters even more than the final score.

Find the right place to play.

Upward offers opportunities for both developing players and kids ready for a more advanced level of competition.
UPWARD BASKETBALL
1st–5th Grade | Boys & Girls
A recreational basketball experience designed to help kids develop skills, learn the game, and enjoy healthy competition. Divisions are determined based on participation within each grade.
UPWARD PLUS
5th-6th Grade | Boys & Girls
An advanced division for players ready for additional skills, rules, and competition.
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Everything you need for this season.

Upward is designed to give kids a great basketball experience without taking over your family’s entire week. Players practice once during the week and play one game on Saturday, giving them time to develop their skills, compete, build relationships, and grow in faith.
TIME COMMITMENT
About two hours each week.
Plan on one one-hour practice during the week and one one-hour game on Saturday.
PRACTICES
One weeknight practice.
Teams practice once during the week for about an hour, combining basketball instruction and skill development with a short Bible-based devotion.
*Practice night and time vary by team.
GAMES
Saturdays are game days.
Teams play one game each Saturday during the season. Game days also give families an opportunity to hear stories of faith and how Jesus is at work in people’s lives.
COST
$120 per player.
Registration includes your player’s uniform and snacks throughout the season.
Need some help with the cost? Scholarships are available because we want every child who wants to play to have the opportunity.
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WHO CAN PLAY?
K5 through 7th grade.
Programs are available for boys and girls, with recreational and advanced divisions based on age.
FAITH
Faith is part of every week.
Upward isn’t simply basketball played in a church gym. Christian faith is intentionally woven into the experience through practice devotions, game-day testimonies, and coaches who help players discover what it looks like to follow Jesus on and off the court. Upward Sports describes its mission as promoting “the discovery of Jesus through sports.”

Ready to jump in?

Keep these important dates handy, then choose your next step.
Registration Deadline: October 16, 2026
Practices Begin: December 7, 2026
Games Begin: January 9, 2027
Season Ends: February 27, 2027
REGISTER TO PLAY >
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP >
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER >