Volunteer Opportunities
The Lake Cities Upward Sports Ministry is a living example of 1 Corinthians 12:12-23 in action, as past and present volunteers will surely attest.
We are not about sports for the sake of sports. We believe that “winning” is so much more than the score at the end of a game. For us, “winning” is about helping each child discover the skills that will help them grow in character and self-esteem, to gain the knowledge and experience necessary for developing a healthy relationship with their God, family, and community.
We would not be able to invite kids and their families to be a part of our “winning” vision without a solid foundation of non-paid volunteers willing to serve in one or more of the necessary and critical roles that it takes to make Upward Basketball, Cheer, and Soccer “work” each season.
Join Our “Winning” Team!
In a way, our volunteers make up a collection of Ministry Teams within the overall team, called a League (Basketball, Cheer, and Soccer).
Each League is headed by a League Director.
Ministry Teams within a League have a captain, which we call a Commissioner.
Prayer
Prayer is vital to this ministry. This Team includes a Prayer Commissioner and at least 100 other team members we call Prayer Partners. Prayer partners need to be committed to praying once a day for specific needs of the league and for players and other participants. You can Pray at anytime and from anywhere.
Advertising & Public Relations
This Team includes an Advertising Commissioner and 2-4 other team members. Four to six weeks before evaluations, this team is in the community distributing brochures and posters to schools, local businesses, community events and other venues — making sure that all interested families have the opportunity to receive timely information about the upcoming season for each league.
Tools and ideas for advertising are found at www.upward.org/advertise.
Administration, Registration & Data Entry
This Team is our most versatile, helping with such diverse functions as setting up the software and computer network necessary for data entry, providing support during registration and evaluation/orientation periods such as processing the registrations, sizing uniforms, and player evaluations.
Data entry involves taking Player Registration Forms and Coach/Referee Applications and carefully enters the information from those forms into a database residing on a Church computer, safeguarding that information while it is in their care.
Generally, Player Registration Forms will include information about each child such as; name, grade, gender, parent’s names and contact information, jersey and short sizes and evaluation scores.
Data entry is a vital function of this Ministry because it allows us to accurately assign players and coaches to team that make up each division within the league and to order the correct size uniforms.
Our webmaster is also part of this team.
Practice Night Commissioners
Commissioners are needed for each practice night to assist coaches with the setup of equipment prior to practices and to be a focal point for coach or parent questions.
Greeters
This Team greet/welcome/give directions for key events and games.
Coaches
This Team includes a Coaches Commissioner, plus one head coach with one or more assistant coaches for each team of players or cheerleaders. Coaches may participate in either the boys’ or girls’ division for the team sports. Cheer teams are for girls only.
Each coach has an important responsibility in providing the atmosphere during practices and games that is consisent with the mission of Upward®: “To introduce children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports.”
For more information about coaching Upward® sports, visit www.upward.org/upwardcoach.
Each coach is expected to complete a Coach’s Application (found under appropriate team sport Tab in top navigation menu) and attend training offered prior to the season.
Referees
The Team of Referress includes a Referee Commissioner and a number of other team members so that we have 2 Referees for each game on each game day.
The referee sets the tone for the game by gathering both teams and their coaches for a brief word of encouragement and prayer before play. One referee is needed for each game to call and briefly explain all fouls. There are rules unique to Upward® sports that are designed to promote character and self-esteem for all players.
For more information about officiating Upward® sports, visit www.upward.org/upwardreferee.
Each Referee is expected to complete a Referee Application (found under appropriate team sport Tab in top navigation menu) and attend training offered prior to the season.
Game Day Set Up
This Team set up before the games begin. This may include setting up the tunnel, goals, or other sport specific needs at least 30 minutes before the first game.
Sound & Tech Support
This Team includes a Tech Commissioner and team members who help with PA, player introductions, music, and tech set up during game days.
Devotions
The Devotions Team includes the Devotions Commissioner and team members who oversee the 8 game day half-time devotionals.
Photography
A Team of one or two people who enjoy taking pictures of participants provide digital photography to be posted on this website and be used for the Award Celebration slide show.
Videography
This Team will take footage during game days and help with the editing of the highlight video and end-of-year DVD.
Concessions
The Concessions Team is one of our most vital and includes the Concessions Commissioner and multiple team members who prepare food and snacks, take orders, serve customers, act as cashier, and clean-up on each Game Day. The money earned as a result of their hard work and commitment allows us to buy and update equipment and supplies necessary for each League to function.
Join A Ministry Team
To join a Ministry Team, please contact the League Director:
For Additional information please see our Volunteer Recruiting Flyer
