Basketball season is just around the corner and that means it is time for Upward’s registration to begin.

Beginning Friday, Sept. 20, boys and girls who are interested in either playing basketball or cheerleading for Upward are able to register online at Upward40391.com.

The early bird registration fees are $55 and will run at that price until Oct. 13, when prices jump to $65. Registration ends on Oct. 20.

There are lots of scholarships available for any kids who need it. The application for scholarships can be found on the same website registration is located.

This year will be the first season under new league director Mike Lee.

Lee got involved with Upward through Calvary Christian Church’s lead pastor Mike McCormick.

Lee met McCormick through his grandfather, who was the lead pastor at Tates Creek Christian Church in Lexington, who introduced him to McCormick.

While this is Lee’s first year being involved with Upward Basketball, he runs a ministry in Lexington called Hoops For Christ.

Hoops For Christ is a higher level of training than Upward.

“It is still a gospel-centered training program, but it’s not necessarily just for fun and recreation,” Lee said. “It’s for people who intend on really getting better and take basketball seriously. It’s more of a competitive basketball ministry.”

Lee is excited about this upcoming Upward season and says the numbers are expected to be bigger than ever. Last season, 940 kids signed up and Lee expects more than 1,000 this year.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Lee said. “The schools, businesses, individuals and churches are all coming together over one thing. It’s anchoring the community.”

The league’s first practice is on Sunday, Nov. 17, and the first games tip off Saturday, Dec. 7.

Lee stressed that this would not be able to happen without the wonderful volunteers the program has. Anybody who wants to sign up to become a volunteer is able to at Upward40391.com.