Upward Basketball & Cheerleading 2027
A Christ-centered sports experience where children build skills, confidence, friendships, character, and faith.
Upward Basketball & Cheerleading 2027
Building Athletes, Character, and Faith
Upward Basketball and Cheerleading are back for the 2027 season at Immanuel Crystal Lake!
More than a youth sports league, Upward Sports is a Christ-centered sports ministry where children develop athletic skills, build confidence, form lasting friendships, and grow in character and faith. Through a positive and encouraging environment, young athletes learn valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the court.
Whether your child is trying a sport for the first time or continuing to develop their skills, Upward provides a welcoming place to learn, compete, and thrive.
Why Families Choose Upward
Christ-centered sports experience
Positive coaching and encouragement
Skill development for all ability levels
Character-building life lessons
Teamwork and sportsmanship
Coach-led devotions
Family-friendly environment
Basketball and cheerleading opportunities
Every practice and game is designed to help children discover their God-given potential while learning the values of perseverance, respect, and teamwork.
Serving Families in Crystal Lake Since 2009
Since 2009, Upward at Immanuel Crystal Lake has served families throughout McHenry County by providing a safe, encouraging environment where children can build confidence, sportsmanship, and athletic ability.
Coach-led devotions, positive reinforcement, and post-game recognition help reinforce lessons that shape both players and cheerleaders on and off the court.
Volunteers are an essential part of this ministry. Coaches, assistant coaches, cheer coaches, referees, and support team members are invited to join us in making a lasting impact on local children and families.
League Divisions
Upward Basketball and Cheerleading are open to all children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade.
Kindergarten & 1st Grade
2nd & 3rd Grade
4th & 5th Grade
Boys' and girls' teams are organized within each division to create a fun and age-appropriate experience for every participant.
2027 Season Timeline
Registration
Early Bird Registration October 1-31, 2026
Regular Registration November 1-30, 2026
Evaluations
Skill Evaluations December 1, 4, 5 & 8, 2026
Season
Practices Begin January 5, 2027
Games Begin January 23, 2027
Season Ends March 13, 2027
Make a Difference
Volunteers play a vital role in Upward Sports.
We're looking for:
Coaches
Assistant Coaches
Cheer Coaches
Referees
Greeters
Concession stand
Help impact local children and families through sports and faith.
Upward FAQs
Find answers to common questions about Upward basketball and cheerleading at Immanuel Crystal Lake
-
Registration opens October 1, 2026. 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.
-
Registration
Early Bird Registration October 1-31, 2026
Regular Registration November 1-30, 2026
Evaluations
Skill Evaluations December 1, 4, 5 & 8, 2026
Season
Practices Begin January 5, 2027
Games Begin January 23, 2027
Season Ends March 13, 2027
-
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, 2026
