Upward Basketball/Cheerleading is one of the fastest growing sports programs in the country.

Specifically designed for 1st-6th grade children, Upward Basketball seeks to develop the self-esteem of each participant, while teaching respect for authority, sportsmanship, character and basketball skills. There are separate leagues for boys and girls.

The age difference within each league is no greater than two years (1st/2nd, 3rd/4th, and 5th/6th). In many leagues, the focus is on winning above all things, at the expense of the child involved. In Upward, our sole focus is on the child. We focus on skills development, and the score is not kept (for 1st and 2nd graders) so that
more time can be spent teaching the game by both the coaches and referees.

All children receive positive feedback from the coach following the game by receiving one of the five star rewards (click here to learn more!).

The season consists of 11 practices and 8 games, culminating in a combined awards program. To ensure fair teams, an evaluation session is held. From those results, balanced teams are developed by the Upward staff.

In addition to games and practices, the Upward program schedules special events, including UNM basketball games, in which our players have been invited to participate to play a game during the halftime period.