Why Upward Sports?

While preparing some statistics to share at our Coaches Training tomorrow, I wanted to share them with some of you. Sports today are heading in the wrong direction and teaching our youngins' the "win at all costs" mentality at such a young age, that only escalades into their youth and adulthood. In Upward Sports, we try to lay a different foundation - one that doesn't solely focus on the outcome of the game, but the way you play the game and how you handle the outcome (people do need to understand that there will be a winner and a loser, but losing doesn't have to be the end of the world). 

Read these eye-opening statistics:

·     More than 65% of children say they participate in sports to be with friends.

·      One top reason why children say they participate in sports: to have fun and to improve their skills. (and as we all know, some local rec leagues are shying away from “fun” and turning it in to “just competition” …I know it was already like that when I played for rec leagues and I’m sure it’s gotten worse).

Top reasons children quit playing organized sports:

·      Not having fun

·      The coach played favorites

·      Too much emphasis on competition

·      Frustration with not getting to play

·      64% of parents say their children have been dissatisfied with their sports experience

·      Some 41 million boys and girls played organized sports in the US; 70% will quit playing by age 13

·      72% of boys and girls would rather play on a losing team than sit on the bench for a winning team

·      71% of children say they wouldn’t care if no score were kept in their games

·      Only 1 in 5 athletes feel they have to win to have fun

This is why we exist - to challenge and teach kids on both a spiritual and athletic level. We now offer Upward Sports for kids grades K4 - 8th Grade. You can get more information and sign up here: http://www.nansemondriver.org/upward.html

Upward Sports ... "Where every child is a winner" and where children aren't looked down upon no matter their skill level, race, age, religion or background.

Read about the Upward Experience: http://www.upward.org/Site-Upwardorg/UpwardExperience.aspx