MADISON – The Upward Sports organization is accepting older youth on its rosters, and Upward Flag Football is a new option to choose.

“We are expanding to rising ninth-graders. Typically, Upward targets children in kindergarten through sixth grade, but several students have asked we create a division for older kids,” local coordinator Jeff Dickerson said.

Families can register their children at upward.org. Registration must be completed online and is available through March 31; the cost is $75. Late online registration will run from April 1-30; cost is $85.

“Spots are limited, and registration can end early so please plan accordingly,” Dickerson said.

Evaluations are planned for April 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Palmer Park. In case of inclement weather, a rain day will be held on April 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Palmer Park.

The season runs from mid-May through June. Practices typically are held at Palmer Park on Tuesdays at either 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. or 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Games normally are played at Palmer Park on Thursdays at 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. or 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

Flag football players will receive a reversible jersey, flag belt, playing card wristband, car magnet and end-of-season award. Some scholarships are available.

“We are hiring high school and college students. The student must be in at least tenth grade or older (tenth grade minimum) to referee the games,” Dickerson said.  

Organized in 1995, Upward Sports claims its place as the world’s largest supplier of Christian youth sports. Upward Sports is the only organization that offers the “360 Progression,” an out-of-the-ordinary program for a total sports experience that changes as the player grows with his or her athletic journey.

The 360 Progression develops the ‘total athlete’ – mentally, physically, spiritually and socially – producing players who excel both on and off the field. Today, about 500,000 million players are active at 2,000-plus churches in 47 states. These churches participate in camps, clinics and leagues through Upward Sports’ Recreation Division.

For details about the season and league photos from the past three years, visit fbcmadison.net/upward. To contact Dickerson, email upwardmadisonal@gmail.com.