Feature Story & Photos by Larry H. Oskin
Team leaders, coaches and student athletes of South Lake Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) have been very busy touching hearts and changing lives.
For almost 70 years, the FCA has been supporting the challenges on the professional, college, high school, junior high and elementary school levels with advice, counsel, mentorships, teamwork and leadership. Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a non-profit 501-C3 organization that has been awarded a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator. FCA is focused on helping to engage and inspire coaches and athletes through prayer and gospel.
The South Lake County area FCA staff is led by Area Director Tim Hancock, Kahlil ‘Tuck’ Tucker as Area Representative and Administrative Assistant Mary Berens. They have created their own South Lake FCA Dream Team with community leaders, board members, financial partners, staff, donors and sponsors.
The 4-Cs of their ministry are Coaches, Campus, Camps and Community. They are always looking for new coaches, students, leaders, corporate sponsors and donations to help make an impact in the lives of students and athletes.
School Team Huddles and Special Events: The FCA regularly reaches out to work with 13 South Lake area schools and many area churches. Huddles are held regularly year-round to encourage and challenge athletes, coaches and campuses to live and compete using biblical principles through the platform of athletic competition. They offer a summer camp opportunity with comprehensive athletic, spiritual and leadership training. Nine local children were able to earn camp scholarships this past year, calling the camp, “A true life-changing experience!”. They have an annual Back to School Bash where gospel, food, music and fellowship are shared. They hold an annual Better Man event featuring nationally known motivational speakers. Their See You at the Pole program encourages students to gather after school to pray for their fellow students and schools. Student-led Fields of Faith events are held on athletic fields each fall to pray, share testimony and challenge themselves with their peers and community.
At a recent FCA meeting in Clermont, two high school students shared their stories. Nicole, a Montverde Academy soccer player noted how she is thankful for FCA being there for her without any politics, racism or other normal divisive challenges. Carissa, a track and field athlete from Lake Minneola High School shared how she feels that FCA is one big family to help support her in a safe and diverse environment, saying, “With all of the peer pressures today, we need each other. FCA helps me grow in my faith and spirit as a leader on my school team.”
Inspired Ministry: They know that most student athletes are often tired, stressed and only interested in playing sports. FCA, helps them realize their purpose for doing what they do. They work to help support the students’ levels of handling stress and how to deal with anger and their personal issues, while also supporting parents and families. Kassier Murry notes, “Sometimes parents don’t see when their child is stressed, hurting or dealing with issues because they are thinking more about the game and competitions their child is competing with. The FCA Coaches travel around and spend much-needed time at each of the schools while coaching, teaching and instructing student athletes. They love it. It helps them to become better Individuals!”
Exciting News: The 1st FCA Holiday 5K Fun Run will be held on December 11, at the Clermont Waterfront Park. For more information, contact South Lake Fellowship of Christian Athletes at 407-310-3146, Email MBerens@FCA.org and/or visit: www.SouthLakeCountyFCA.org.
Like and follow FCA on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/southlakecountyfca.
