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Calling all FEMALE athletes and coaches! The Huddle for Women is an experience designed to ENGAGE, EQUIP and EMPOWER women in faith and sports.
You can use the resources provided by the Huddle for Women team to grow in your faith or host an experience in your area! Click the link in our bio to dive deep into topics like:
- Athletes Overcoming Anxiety
- Measuring Up
- Single & Secure
- What's Your Why?
AND MORE!
Our 101 ELE students are having a BLAST at @slulead in Orlando! π’ if you are high school student leader in Polk, Highlands, Hardee, North Ridge, Manatee, Charlotte or Sarasota Countries and want to grow in your leadership journey, APPLY TODAY using the link in our bio! Applications close August 14th!
Registration for our FCA Sports Youth Baseball Clinic is still open! Join us for skill instruction, competition and fun in the sun! Link to register in our bio and details below βΎοΈππΌ:
π June 22, 23 & 24
β° 9:00am - 12:00pm
βΎοΈ Boys - Ages 6-12
πHunt Fountain Park - 7036 Green Road, Lakeland, FL, 33810 US
Our 301 Emerging Leader Experience (ELE) group is in EUROPE at their summer intensive with @slulead! 301’s are students who have been in ELE for three years and have attended the 101 trip to Orlando and the 201 trip to Washington D.C.! To stay connected to ELE or to apply, give our account a follow: @elewestcentralflorida Applications for our 101 class for 2024-2025 are open and close August 14th!
Coaches Time Out weekend was a huge success! At CTO, we aim to help coaches and their spouses win where it matters most… at home. We served over 125 coaches and their spouses throughout Florida with the intent to renew spiritually, rest meaningfully, and reinvest relationally. Check out these recap videos and pics from our Florida CTO events this month!
For almost seven decades, FCA has had a vibrant ministry on school campuses in the United States, but the landscape of sports is changing. Athletes in record numbers now participate in non-traditional sports that compete outside of the traditional campus setting. Sports and athletic programs have grown to include coaches and athletes whose playing field involves not only lanes and courts, but dirt, hills and waves. To remain present, relevant and impactful for the next 70 years, FCA recently organized sport ministry into eight sport environments.
Did you know that our staff are considered missionaries and are tasked with raising their own salaries and money for their ministry lane? Making a donation to West Central Florida FCA allows our staff and ministry to continue to follow God's call to reach EVERY coach and athlete with the good news of the Gospel! Click on the link in our bio to bless a specific ministry or specific staff member TODAY!
REGISTER TODAY for our FCA Sports Summer Camps! Details below and send us a message if you are interested π
π FCA Sports Basketball Camp, June 3-7 for ages 6-13 at Ardella Baptist Church, 9AM - 12PM
β½οΈ FCA Sports Girls Soccer Camp, June 10-14 for girls ages 6-13 at Ardella Baptist Church, 9AM - 12PM
Huddle Highlight // DINNER IN THE DUGOUT βΎοΈ
This season, the Auburndale High School Baseball Team join together before every game for an FCA huddle and dinner in the dugout! Thankful for opportunities to share God’s word and provide a yummy meal ππ» Follow along with our ministry in the North Ridge - @fcanorthridge
CALLING ALL ATHLETES! FCAFit Summer Workout Classes are here! May 31st - August 10th πͺπΎ Use the link in our bio to register! Details below:
β° Monday, Tuesday, Thursday @ 7:30 pm + Saturday @ 11:30 am
πΈ $50/Month Includes
- Group Coaching & Feedback, Initial Nutrition Plan, Inbody Scans (testing body fat%), T-Shirt, + Spiritual Formation & Mentorship
Give it up for the boss, Kathleen Boatwright! Our West Central Florida FCA Metro Director! Kathleen moved to Lakeland, Florida in 1990 and has served with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes since 2016, starting as an area administrative assistant! Now Kathleen oversees FCA ministry in four counties through staff development, fundraising, ministry advancement and development, and more!
There is greater potential in your life than finding your identity in sports. As an athlete, it’s natural to feel like you have more potential than what is showing up in practice or in the heat of competition. And when you don’t feel like you’re living up to expectations, the pressure starts to build.
Living up to your potential is more than what you can do on your own. There’s more to life than playing for the scoreboard. In fact, your potential shouldn’t just be measured by athletic achievements. It should be measured by who God says you are. There is a greater purpose wrapped up in your potential when your potential is wrapped up in Him.
And with that... we've had our last ELE session of the school year! We have had the chance to spend the year with some pretty incredible student leaders diving into the idea of how to use and view TIME as leaders and Christ followers! Next up... our summer trips to Orlando, Washington D.C., and Europe!
π APPLICATIONS for the 2024-2025 school year ARE OPEN! APPLY FOR ELE TODAY and share the application with your friends!βββββββββ
π» Head to the link in our bio and APPLY TODAY!
βοΈ Questions? Send us a DM or email us // wcfl@fca.org
ππ» Applications close Aug. 10th, 2024
CALLING ALL ATHLETES! FCAFit Summer Workout Classes are coming! πͺπΎ Details below:
β β β β β β β β β
ποΈ May 31st - August 10th
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday @ 7:30 pm
- Saturday @ 11:30 am
πΈ $50/Month Includes
- Group Coaching & Feedback
- Initial Nutrition Plan
- Inbody Scans (testing body fat%)
- T-Shirt
- Spiritual Formation & Mentorship
π² CONTACT CCUSTODIO@FCA.ORG for SIGNUP INFO
Put your hands together for ASIA DEAN, our West Polk FCA Area Representative! ππΌ Asia ministers to the female coaches and leads high school ministry for several campuses and female sports teams! When Asia was younger, God used FCA to bring her into a true relationship with Jesus, and she is grateful for what this ministry stands for!
Registration for Lakeland Leadership Camp 2024 is OPEN! Register today using the link in our bio and check out the camp details below ππΌ
ποΈ June 24th - 28th, 2024
π Southeastern University
πΈ Early Bird Price $425 through April 30th (scholarships available through the link in our bio)
ππ» For rising 7th graders through recent 2024 grads
ELE Session 6 // Our first-ever ELE Come and See event was so much fun! Thank you to all of the new students who came to experience an ELE session before you apply! We are so grateful to @iamjeffwallace for coming to challenge these leaders to find Christ's calling for their lives.
π APPLICATIONS for the 2024-2025 school year ARE OPEN! APPLY FOR ELE TODAY and share the application with your friends!βββββββββ
π» Head to the link in our bio and APPLY TODAY!
βοΈ Questions? Send us a DM or email us // wcfl@fca.org
ππ» Applications close Aug. 10th, 2024
The need to refuel your body and your mind is a never-ending cycle. The same is true for you as a follower of Christ. You need the spiritual fuel that brings supernatural joy and hope that will overflow into every aspect of your life.
Just as you need physical and mental fuel for athletic performance, you need spiritual fuel to walk out God’s purpose for your life. Consistent communication with God draws you near to Him and brings peace and joy to your heart. As you refuel in God’s joy and peace through Scripture, prayer, and community, you are prepared to meet whatever challenge comes your way with wisdom and strength.
Registration for Lakeland Leadership Camp 2024 is OPEN! Register today using the link in our bio and check out the camp details below ππΌ
ποΈ June 24th - 28th, 2024
π Southeastern University
πΈ Early Bird Price $425 through April 30th (scholarships available through the link in our bio)
ππ» For rising 7th graders through recent 2024 grads
π APPLICATIONS FOR THE EMERGING LEADER EXPERIENCE ARE OPEN! APPLY FOR ELE TODAY and share the application with your friends!βββββββββ
π» Head to the link in our bio and APPLY TODAY!
βοΈ Questions? Send us a DM or email us // wcfl@fca.org
ππ» Applications close Aug. 10th, 2024
HEY LADIES! π Did you know FCA LOVES FEMALE ATHLETES? β€οΈ We love you so much that we created the STRENGTH & GRACE Women in Sports Event to celebrate you! Register TODAY and invite your favorite gal-pals! Prize to the school with the most female athletes in attendance! Link in bio!
β β β β β β β β β
ποΈ | April 27th, 2024
π| Heritage Baptist Church
β° |Check-in begins at 8AM // Sessions run from 9AM-3PM
Because He renews your life—by giving you a new heart. When God gives you a new heart, He also gives you a new purpose and, through His Holy Spirit, new power to walk out that purpose with boldness, confidence and conviction. You can do anything God calls you to do, but you can’t do it alone!
As you are renewed in Christ, you have a new heart, which creates a new identity in Him. Then, there is a new purpose to your life: To spread the Gospel and live your life for Jesus. As an athlete, your new purpose might be to use your sport as a way to reflect how Christ as changed your life or to share the gospel with teammates, coaches, and others within your sphere of influence. You also have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, who will give you strength and courage to do what God has called you to do. As you step out in this new purpose and power, you will begin to see your life transformed.
Did you know a prize will be given to the school with the most female athletes in attendance at the STRENGTH & GRACE Women in Sports Event? Register TODAY and make sure your teammates register too! Link in bio!
ποΈ | April 27th, 2024
π| Heritage Baptist Church
β° |Check-in begins at 8AM // Sessions run from 9AM-3PM
πAPPLICATIONS FOR THE EMERGING LEADER EXPERIENCE ARE OPEN! APPLY FOR ELE TODAY and share the application with your friends!βββββββββ
π» Head to the link in our bio and APPLY TODAY!
βοΈ Questions? Send us a DM or email us // wcfl@fca.org
ππ» Applications close Aug. 10th, 2024
BECOME A SPONSOR for three major FCA events in 2024 for one price by becoming a Triple Play Event Sponsor! β£
Triple Play Event Sponsorship gives you sponsorship participation in all three events:
π¦ FCA Lead the way 5K
π¦ FCA Strength & Grace Women in Sports Event
π¦ FCA Sports Pickleball Tournament
with signage, participation, and recognition for all three events and their marketing!
Email wcfl@fca.org if you or your business are interested in learning more!
The extra day means extra savings! Use code: ExtraSavings10 for $10 for your registration for the FCA LEAD THE WAY 5K!
ποΈ April 6th, 2024 at Holloway Park in Lakeland, FL
π
Receive a race packet, shirt, and a finisher medal once you cross the finish line
ππΎβοΈ Link to register in our bio!
Say hello to our FCA Camp Ministry staff member - SYDNI TEW! Sydni had the opportunity to play college soccer for four years at Southeastern University where she started as an intern with FCA while gaining her undergrad and master's in Sports Administration. After graduation, she transitioned to an FCA Ambassador and runs the camp ministry in West Polk. We love having Syd on TEAM FCA!
ELE Session 5 featured our annual leadership panel! Our leadership panel focuses on bringing a diverse group of community leaders from different fields together for a Q&A session with our student leaders. Thank you to @will.aallen, @jennaisfeeling, @carolinedavis8.28, and @caleb.b.thomas for sharing your journey with our students!
Another Celebrity Golf Classic is in the books! Our classic helps raise scholarship money each year for coaches to attend Coaches Time Out (CTO) and students to attend FCA camps in the summer.
π’ Thank you to Lone Palm Golf Club for an amazing venue, food, and staff!
π’ Thank you to the business and individual sponsors!
π’ Thank you to the players who came out for a day of sun and golf!
π’ Thank you to the celebrities who took time out of their schedule to come and make this year the best one yet.
2024 Strength & Grace SHIRT REVEAL! Are you a current or former female athlete or coach, or a coach's wife? Register TODAY for the FCA Strength and Grace Women in Sports Event! Prize to the school with the most athletes in attendance! Link in bio!
ποΈ | April 27th, 2024
π| Heritage Baptist Church
β° |Check-in begins at 8AM // Sessions run from 9AM-3PM
We are so excited to invite you to our FIRST Come and See ELE Event! Ever wondered what ELE is and if it would be a good fit for you? Join us at our March session and hear valuable leadership knowledge from Jeff Wallace! RSVP you and your friends using the link in our bio! Details below:
Date: March 23rd
Time: 9:30-11 AM
Location: Ardella Baptist Church, Lakeland - 709 W Pipkin Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
Session Speaker: Jeff Wallace from Student Leadership University (SLU)
If you’ve been around The Fellowship of Christian Athletes for any length of time, you’ve heard the words “to and through the coach.” It is the strategy through which we carry out our mission and vision. But do you understand what “to and through the coach” really means?β£
A single coach will influence thousands of players over his/her career. FCA coaches around the world have the potential to reach millions with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But a coach cannot reach hundreds and thousands with the hope of Christ without first being reached him/herself.
FCA desires to provide the coach with encouragement, hope, and solid training. After that, FCA staff continued to support the coach in reaching athletes. The coach is a vital part of the FCA ministry, and the heart of the coach is of utmost importance to our FCA staff. We want our coaches to know and experience the love of Christ and to lead from the knowledge of who they are in Him.
Interested in learning more about FCA Coaches Huddles and resources? Email wcfl@fca.org or send us a DM!
BECOME A SPONSOR for three major FCA events in 2024 for one price by becoming a Triple Play Event Sponsor! β£
Triple Play Event Sponsorship gives you sponsorship participation in all three events:
π¦ FCA Sports Pickleball Tournament
π¦ FCA Lead the way 5K
π¦ FCA Strength & Grace Women in Sports Event
with signage, participation, and recognition for all three events and their marketing!
Email wcfl@fca.org if you or your business are interested in learning more!
Life is a 24/7 grind. As an athlete, you’re always moving and there’s not much time to slow down at all for fear of losing momentum or losing ground. There’s no way to win in sports or in the game of life when you’ve stopped and everyone else is passing you by. But sometimes, you might need a do over or time to stop and get a fresh start and move in a different direction. Maybe it’s time to be still and recognize the need for a new perspective in Christ. As an athlete, a reset is a new way of thinking or doing things, which will free you up to be the best athlete, student, friend or family member that you can be.
The same is even more important for your spiritual well-being. Do you want to experience true freedom in your heart? Be still and be open to a brand-new perspective on life through the Truth found in Jesus. You can be set on a new path towards truth and freedom from the 24/7 grind if you take time to be still. When you allow God to speak to you through the Holy Spirit and through His Word, you will experience a perspective change and start a journey towards a new kind of 24/7 life.
Join us on April 13th, 2024 for our first Pickleball Tournament benefitting FCA Sports West Polk at Lone Palm Golf Club! β£
Become a sponsor and secure your team!
π¦ $500 – Team Sponsor
π¦ $1000 – Corporate Sponsor
π¦ $5000 – Tournament Title Sponsorship
Message us for more info or use the link in the bio to secure your sponsorship!
ππΎβοΈAre you a cross-country runner out of season? Grab your team and train for our FCA Lead the Way 5K to help keep you in shape in the off-season! Registration is now open - Link in bio! β£
πΈ Earn Cash Back! Once you register, share the link in your email with friends and family and have them join you! Adults 18+ can earn $15 back once 5 registrations come in using your link before January 31! Students 8-17 can earn $10 back once 5 registrations come in using your link before January 31!
Jay Butler has joined our FCA Staff to launch and lead FCA Sports in West Central Florida! Before FCA, Jay coached for 22 years (all three NCAA levels + the NAIA), Women's Basketball Coach for 20+ years (Columbia University - 8 years, Brown University - 5 years), Coached Men's and Women's Tennis for 4 years, NCAA Division III Collegiate Athletic Director for 11 yearsβ£20+ years of affiliation with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as an Area Director, Huddle Leader, Camp Coach, Board Member, and Donor.
"I am excited to build the West Polk FCA Sports Ministry. Youth sports are a very important part of the family unit in Polk County. I look forward to using the skills and experience God has given me to build this unique program in Lakeland.
It is our goal to provide a God-honoring sports program where students will be taught the skills of the sport while learning the life lessons of teamwork, commitment, sportsmanship, and fair play. We will share the Gospel message with athletes and parents and provide opportunities for spiritual growth. God has blessed me with the passion and energy to use the platform of sport to change the culture of youth sports." - Jay Bulter
We are SO EXCITED and grateful to have Jay on our team!
πIt's that time again for our annual Strawberry Pre-Sale Fundraiser benefiting the student leaders in the Emerging Leader Experience (ELE)! $20/flat and orders can be picked up on February 17th at First Presbyterian Church on Lake Hollingsworth! One flat has eight cartons of strawberries that are great for making jam or sharing with friends! Use the link in our bio to purchase yours today!
Registration is now open for the FCA Lead the Way 5K! April 6th, 2024 at Holloway Park in Lakeland, FL! Link in bio!β£
Earn Cash Back! Once you register, share the link in your email with friends and family and have them join you! Adults 18+ can earn $15 back once 5 registrations come in using your link before January 31! Students 8-17 can earn $10 back once 5 registrations come in using your link before January 31!
π SAVE THE DATE! Looking for a 5K to train for in 2024 that benefits the next generation of leaders? Save the date for our FCA Lead the Way 5K on April 6th, 2024 at Holloway Park! Registration opens January 1, 2024! β£
π
Looking to sponsor more community events? Email wcfl@fca.org or send us a DM for more info on sponsorships for the race!
PARENTS! Drop your kiddos off with our student leaders while you attend holiday parties or do some Christmas shopping on Friday, Dec. 15 - 5:30-8:30PM at Kathleen Baptist Church and Saturday, December 16th - 6:30-8:30PM at Christ Community Presbyterian Church! We will even have PRESENT WRAPPING available at the back of the building so you can get those presents wrapped without letting the kiddos knowing what they are! Register today using the link in our bio and don't forget to share with you friends and family!
New staff member ALERT π¨ Help us welcoming Koyal George as our west polk ambassador for campus and coaches! ππΌ Koyal played football for North Carolina State University and after graduation he went on to receive a master’s degree from Liberty University. Koyal is following the call of God on his life to move to Lakeland and minister to coaches and athletes. WELCOME TO THE FCA FAMILY KOYAL!
Our mission at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.β£
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives…one heart at a time. Since 1954, FCA has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful platform of sport to reach every coach and every athlete with the transforming power of Jesus Christ. FCA focuses on serving local communities around the globe by engaging, equipping and empowering coaches and athletes to unite, inspire and change the world through the gospel.
GIVING TUESDAY // The season of giving has just begun! Your gift to FCA will allow the ministry to continue to impact, students, coaches, and athletes on our campuses and in the community!β£.
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Your tax-deductible gift can be made easily online by clicking the link in our bio!
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#FCA #FellowshipofChristianAthletes #Students #Athletes #Community #Ministry #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2019 #WCFLFCA #FloridaFCA #WestCentralFlorida #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization #nonprofitsports
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