Upward at Immanuel Crystal Lake

Young girls playing basketball in an indoor gymnasium with a scoreboard above, a large mascot and gym logo on the wall, and a projection screen with an announcement about a college mom's night out event.
Young girls cheerleading in green uniforms and holding black pom-poms in a gymnasium, performing a routine.

2026 Upward Basketball & Cheerleading

Upward Basketball and Cheerleading is coming back to the court at Immanuel Crystal Lake for the January 2026 season!

Upward assists families in building a strong foundation by promoting a relationship with Jesus Christ through a uniquely designed sports program that provides a safe and nurturing place to grow in character, confidence, faith, sportsmanship, and athletic ability.

Since 2009, Upward at Immanuel Crystal Lake has been serving the greater McHenry County community as a sports ministry dedicated to providing kids a safe and nurturing place to grow in character, confidence, faith, and sportsmanship while discovering and refining their athletic abilities.  Coach led devotions at practice and post-game sessions of acknowledgement and encouragement are tools used to fortify a child’s foundation and promote growth.

Volunteer coaches and other support positions are encouraged to be a part of this great community ministry. Player registration begins October 1.

Early registration: October 10/1/25 - 10/31/25

Regular registration: 11/1/25 - 12/1/25

Skills evaluation: 12/2/25, 12/6/25 and 12/9/25

Practices begin: 1/2/2026

Games begin: 1/24/2026

Season ends: 3/14/2026

Please contact Mark Nothdorf (Director of Upward) at mnothdorf@immanuelcl.org to learn more about the program.

Register your child for Upward
Volunteer with Upward
Group of young girls in sports uniforms lying on the floor, with a golden retriever dog in the center.

Upward FAQs

Find answers to common questions about Upward basketball and cheerleading at Immanuel Crystal Lake

  • Registration opens October 1, 2025. Use this link to register your Kindergarten - 5th grade son or daughter. $10 discount applies through 10/31.

  • Coaches and referees can use this link to receive more volunteer information.

  • EVALUATIONS: 12/2, 12/6 and 12/9

    PRACTICES: Begin January 2, 2026 — 1.25 hours, once a week

    GAMES: Eight Saturdays beginning Saturday, January 24

  • Kindergarten thru 5th grade

  • Practices are 1.25 hours ONE evening per week — Tuesday or Friday.  Practices include a coach-led devotion.

  • You will have eight great Game day Saturdays to experience Upward at the Immanuel Lutheran School gym.  Time commitment on Saturday is approximately 1.5 hours.

  • Veteran or rookie, evaluations are mandatory for all Upward basketball participants and are by appointment using signup.com. More information available after registration is received.

  • We know your kids like to play with their friends and we will make every effort to accommodate that special request, but cannot guarantee it.  We take our responsibility seriously to provide your family with a quality Upward experience. To that end, it's important that all ability levels be spread equitably across all teams.  Your child will participate in evaluations and be placed on a great team accordingly --  a wonderful opportunity for him/her to grow and make new friends!

  • Our Leadership Team is in continual communication with our volunteer coaches, all of whom have agreed to abide by the Upward Sports at Immanuel Value Statements.  All coaches and volunteers involved with Upward are required to complete an application and criminal background check.

  • Absolutely!....in fact, all Upward coaches are volunteers -- primarily parents of participants.  Training and written materials will be provided, and we will support you throughout the season.  Contact Mark Nothdorf for more information: mnothdorf@immanuelcl.org

  • The $100 basketball registration fee includes 9 weeks of practice, 8 games, t-shirt, jersey, shorts, gym time, referee fees and administrative costs. 

    Early registration discount of $10 until October 31, 2025