NCFC Upward Basketball
Registration for 2025-2026 Season is now open! Register here: Upward Registration
Offered to Boys & Girls K5-6th grade
Cost: $65
Contact:
Matt Dooley – 336-380-4419 or matt@ncfcgraham.org
NCFC Upward Basketball - Core Principles
Our Upward Basketball program is fundamentally about using the game to show kids the love and character of Jesus. That's why we govern play with a unique set of rules—because the lessons we teach are so much bigger than the scoreboard.
Building Every Child's Value
We are committed to helping every single player realize their value and potential in Christ. To make this happen, we actively build up self-esteem and focus on the character of Jesus through these specific actions:
The White Star is Our North Star: After every game, every child receives a Game Day Star. Specifically, the white star is a powerful, visual reminder that the character of Christ is worth following—win or lose. While the colored stars acknowledge a specific effort or attitude shown that day, the white star serves as a constant reminder of the ultimate goal: pursuing Christlike character on and off the court. Philippians 3:13-14
Equipping Our Leaders to lead with Grace: We have been given this incredible gift of God’s grace and we want to show others a small picture of the amazing grace we’ve received! We provide dedicated Coach and Referee Training. Our volunteers are the most important part of this ministry, and we equip them to seamlessly blend athletic instruction with sharing the Gospel. Colossians 3:23-24
Celebrating All Participants: Every child receives an End of the Season Award because, in our league, every participant is a winner because we are focused on more than just basketball. Romans 12:10
Fairness is Foundational: We design our teams and games specifically to create a positive experience for everyone:
We register every child as an individual, not a team, and use the Upward evaluation system to draft balanced teams.
We use the Upward Substitution System to guarantee equal playing time and foster equal opportunities for every child to improve and shine.
Focusing on the Right Crown: We don't track division standings or hold post-season tournaments. Our goal isn't to crown a league champion; it's to help every child discover the everlasting prize in Christ. - 1 Timothy 4:8 & Matthew 18:14
Safety First: We maintain clear regulations to protect the safety of every player and spectator at all times. These regulations apply to everyone involved in Upward including spectators. Galatians 6:10 & Romans 12:18
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do boys and girls play together?
A: Yes, all the teams are co-ed.
Q: What are the grades/ages?
A: Kindergarten – 6th grade
Q: What are the divisions?
A: There are 4 divisions: K5, 1st-2nd grade, 3rd-4th grade, and 5th-6th grade
Q: When are the games?
A: All games will be played on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings beginning in January.
Q: Where are the games played?
A: New Covenant Fellowship Gym, 1913 Rogers Road, Graham
Q: How many games are there in a season?
A: 6 consecutive Saturday games.
Q: How long are the games?
A: 1 hour.
Q: When are practices?
A: Scheduled practices will be either Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday evenings at 5:30, 6:30, or 7:30pm. The younger teams will practice during the earlier times. Once your player is assigned a team, a practice night/time will also be assigned.
Q: How long are the practices?
A: 1 hour, 1 day a week
Q: Can my child be on the same team as their friend/sibling? Or can we choose which coach we want?
A: Not necessarily. The Upward software chooses the team and coach that your child will have based on evaluation scores. You may put in a request on your registration form, but it is not a guarantee.
Q: Will my child get to play?
A: Every child will play equal amount of game time regardless of ability. Upward Basketball has a special substitution system that coaches must follow to ensure every player gets equal playing time.
Q: What if I can’t afford the Registration Fee? How do I get Financial Assistance?
A: Call or email Matt Dooley at 336-380-4419 or matt@ncfcgraham.org
Q: What does the fee include? Will I be asked to pay more throughout the season?
A: The Registration Fee includes a reversible Upward jersey, a T-Shirt for underneath, and also helps cover the cost of the end-of-season awards. (Every player will receive an award). No, you will not be asked to pay more. Pictures will be taken mid-season, but is optional if you want to purchase them or not.
Q: Are shorts included with the jersey?
A: No, shorts are not included. Player can wear whatever athletic shorts he/she wants.
Q: When do the practices start?
A: Practices start the first week in January.
Q: What are evaluations?
A: Every player must attend one evaluation night. At evaluations, you will make sure your registration is correct, be fitted for your uniform, and then do a few drills to test basketball ability (very simple and easy drills). The evaluation process helps the Upward Software to “pick” the teams for the season.