This article appears in the Spring 2024 issue of the FCA Donor Publication. The FCA publication is a gift from our FCA staff to all donors giving $50 or more annually. For more information about giving, visit here.
In winter 2022, Savannah Area FCA in Georgia partnered with a local high school flag football coach to host a few girls flag football tournaments that spring. Through the success of those tournaments and growing interest in the sport, God opened doors for FCA Flag Football. Tryouts for the program’s fledgling FCA South Elite club team were held in December 2022, and the turnout produced enough athletes for two teams.
With some of the best flag football coaches in the area, FCA’s U14 team focuses mostly on skill development and local games, while the U18s travel to tournaments that will prepare players for the next level. This year, FCA Flag Football has doubled in size to two U14 and two U18 girls teams across our four counties in Georgia. The U18 teams finished in first and second place this winter in the Atlanta Ice Bowl Tournament. A few of the program’s graduates are playing in college, and some current players are being recruited for the next level as well.
“As flag continues to grow across our state and our nation, we are grateful to be a part of this growth,” said FCA’s Savannah Area Director Ashleigh Lund. “We are so incredibly proud of our athletes and coaches, and we’re excited to see how God continues to use our club to share the Gospel and grow His Kingdom.”
Since the high school season only lasts about eight weeks, FCA Flag Football in Georgia has a unique opportunity to minister to its athletes, coaches and families for the rest of the year.
“My child having the opportunity to be part of an FCA team, especially South Elite Flag Football, is extremely important for her growth in her relationships with teammates, as well as spiritual growth with Christ,” said Leah Barron, a parent of one of the players. “ I appreciate that the team prays together and bonds as a team and as an FCA family. The mission of FCA is important and something we are proud to be part of.”
“FCA for us is about Christ, Camaraderie and Character. Winning is a plus, and losing is a learning experience. This is what makes coaching for FCA South Elite so special.”—Michael Crawford, head coach of
South Elite West U14s and U18s
“I love the game. I love watching the kids see it unfold and work like it’s supposed to. I love impacting youth and showing them how passion for something can grow beyond anything you imagine. God gave me the love and talent for football, and now I can give it back to Him for His glory! I love being on God’s coaching staff.”—Nick Grassi, U14 South Elite East head coach
“You see a lot of club teams and it’s the same everywhere: You compete, win and go home. With South Elite, these girls are learning much more than that. Not only are they playing the sport they love, but you are seeing true passion and teamwork. Most importantly, they are learning to glorify the One who gave them their talent.”—Drew McIlrath, South Elite character coach and FCA Area Representative
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Photos courtesy of FCA South Elite