Upward Sports
Plans for a Multi-Sport Complex in Spartanburg SC
This month we are happy to spotlight Upward Sports. They are the world's largest Christian sports league for youth athletics. They announced last year their plan to develop a world-class 60-acre sports complex next to their corporate headquarters in Spartanburg, SC. located on Highway 29 off of Interstate I-85.
The complex will feature a 120,000 square-foot multi-sports facility called the Star Center, equipped with six (6) full sized basketball courts and 12 regulation indoor volleyball courts. Included within the facility will be batting cages, golf swing analysis, running track, a gym with free weights and cardio machines, studios designed for dance, cheerleading, aerobics and yoga, meeting rooms and a team shop. Professional instruction and training will be offered to athletes. In addition, Upward Sports has partnered with Spartanburg Regional Health Services to offer strength training, rehab offerings and orthopedic services. They will have an office on-site at the Star Center.
Phase one on the outside of the complex will have four (4) lighted sand volleyball courts and up to six (6) grass fields for soccer, lacrosse, and 7-v-7-football and flag football. There are plans to develop additional fields and facilities in the future. Once complete, the Star Center and the multi-sports complex will make Spartanburg County a premier destination for tournaments and other athletic events throughout the southeastern United States. The estimated economic impact for the Spartanburg area is in the millions of dollars and the new complex will provide local jobs and the possibility for retail store opportunities. The Star Center has already booked a national conference for a sports and recreation ministry estimated to host 500 - 1,000 attendees just after opening. Tournaments and academies for youth sports of basketball, volleyball and cheerleading will be scheduled in the very near future.
The official groundbreaking ceremony was on June 18, 2013 and it marked the beginning of a yearlong endeavor scheduled to conclude in September 2014. Upward Sports has partnered with McMillan, Pazdan and Smith to develop the architectural plans for the facility and Harper Corporation will serve as the general contractor on the project. The total cost of this project is estimated at $19 million.
Upward Sports has recently expanded their area of influence and expertise through high school age by introducing The 360 Progression™, a uniquely designed total sports experience that adapts and expands as players develop and grow in their personal athletic journey. "The 360 Progression" offers multi-sport comprehensive training and instruction that increases in intensity with each athlete as they improve, enriching their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual growth. This unique approach develops the total athlete and creates individuals with strong character, confidence, and spirit.
"As Upward Sports looks for new ways to grow and expand, we are very excited to offer young athletes in multiple sports, and their parents, this brand new opportunity that will prepare them for life both on and off the court or field. The 360 Progression begins with introductory fundamentals, increasing the level of instruction and competitiveness as the player moves through the program. Athletes are given instruction from qualified and trained coaches that will prioritize the comprehensive development of the athlete and individual. It is our desire to provide a place to play for every skill level player," says Caz McCaslin, President for Upward Sports.
- Upward Sports now offers two levels of play that depends upon the experience level and ability of the player. Each level offers one-day clinics, weeklong camps, specialized training academies, and full season leagues.
- Upward Recreation - This level of play introduces kids to sports and instills the necessary skills needed for a well-rounded athletic experience. Younger age-levels will receive introductory instruction, expanding into competitive play and increased skill development as they advance through the program.
- Upward Performance - Athletes exhibiting higher skill levels will have the opportunity to try-out for performance teams, clubs and tournaments that will play at the highest level of competition. They will play and compete on local, regional, or national traveling teams based on their skill level. Performance league players will receive master-level coaching in their sport of focus.
For more information about Upward Sports. Please visit their website, www.upward.org
or their Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/UpwardSports.
