At Rainbow Forest Baptist Church, Upward is a Christian sports ministry.  We use basketball and cheerleading to share the love of Jesus Christ and help children grow spiritually, socially, mentally, and athletically.  We want participants to learn fundamentals, work hard, make friends, and enjoy healthy competition.  Winning is never more important than helping children grow in faith and character.

There are 4 grade divisionsK4-K51st-2nd Grade3rd-4th Grade5th-6th Grade

Registration FeeBasketball: $100.00Cheerleading: $100.00

Basketball•  All divisions play six 6-minute periods (36 minutes total), with structured substitutions to promote equal playing time.  No overtime; ties stand.•  K4–K5, 1st-2nd, 3rd-4th grades: man-to-man defense only; no zone defense, no double-teaming, and no full-court pressing (limited help-and-recover is permitted).•  Only main-court games (3rd–6th grades) display scores.  The clock runs continuously except at scheduled breaks and eligible timeouts.•  In 3rd–4th and 5th–6th grades, the clock stops for fouls and out-of-bounds plays during the final two minutes of period six.  Normal foul penalties apply; no automatic foul points.•  Only 5th–6th grade teams have timeouts: one 30-second timeout per half.  Officials teach age-appropriate rules as they officiate.CheerleadingCheerleading is part of the same ministry.  Coaches will share practice, uniform, and game-day instructions.  We recognize effort, leadership, cheering, spirit, and Christlikeness.

One practice each week, generally one hour.  Coaches will share the assigned day, time, and location.All games take place Saturdays at RFBC.  Arrive approximately 20 minutes before your game unless instructed otherwise.Bring children to their coach and check them out with the coach afterward.  Notify the coach about alternate pickup arrangements or absences.Check team schedules for court assignments and basketball uniform color.  Weekly Bible lessons and recognition celebrate effort, growth, sportsmanship, and Christlike character.

Please contact the Upward Director, Ashton Swortzel, with all questions and concerns. Coaches are also a convenient resource for specific team related questions.

Games and practices are played in the gym at Rainbow Forest Baptist Church, located at 1338 Rainbow Forest Drive, Troutville, VA 24175.

Register your player at https://registration.upward.org/UPW91260?reset=true

Yes! We need help in many areas to make this a great opportunity for our players and cheerleaders. You can sign up to volunteer at https://registration.upward.org/UPW91260/volunteer