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Early-bird registration ends Jan. 22

Kids who are interested in learning about the basics of sports in a stress free and safe environment can do so with Upward Sports flag football and cheerleading league, a league offered by Grace Fellowship Atmore.

Caz McCaslin, who had a passion for sports and a deep desire to reach his community, founded upward Sports in 1995. He created a sports experience that met the unmet needs of children and their families, focused on the sports experience and sharing the love of Jesus Christ, according to Upward Sports’ website.

Early-bird registration for the Upward Sports program ends Jan. 22. The cost for the early-bird registration is $89. The cost goes up to $99 after Jan. 22. The registration deadline is Feb. 5.

The Upward Sports program is for children in grades kindergarten through sixth.

Grace Youth Pastor Jonathan McMath said the program will offer flag football and cheerleading. The season includes eight weeks of practices and six weeks of games. Practices start March 24 with the first game on April 9.

McMath said participants will have one practice and game each week. Practices are on Thursdays with games on Saturday mornings at the church.

McMath said the registration cost includes everything from uniforms, flags, belts, reversible jerseys, shorts, socks, mouth guards, along with cheer uniforms.

McMath said with the new sports opportunity, he’s not trying to compete with other spring sports programs.

“We’re not trying to compete with the city,” he said. “We’re trying to offer an alternative.”

McMath said when the Atmore Area YMCA shut closed, they thought that the Upward Sports model might be a good fit for Atmore.

McMath said he’s gotten the word out to local schools, churches and organizations, adding that the program is for everybody.

“If they love Jesus, or if they love sports, or if they love kids, they can be a part of it,” he said.