FCA has reached a noteworthy and historic milestone—2,000 staff members worldwide.
The number is worth celebrating—thanks to God’s graciousness and blessing—especially as FCA reflects on the birth of the international sports ministry 65 years ago that began as a dream of one dedicated coach.
“Our founder, Don McClanen, would undoubtedly praise God for the incredible way the Lord has grown this ministry over 65 years—2,000 team members worldwide! This is truly a ‘wow’ moment,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson. “We’re grateful for the men and women who pioneered this ministry. We’re bearing the fruit of a rich history of faithful servants who believed God wanted to use the vehicle of sports to introduce competitors to Christ. It’s an honor for myself and our team of 2,000 staff members to continue this legacy and take the vision into future generations. The momentum is there. Together we’re engaging, equipping and empowering coaches and athletes to know and grow in Christ and lead others to do the same. In obedience to our Ultimate Coach, Jesus Christ, we follow His Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20.”
FCA’s 2,000th staff member was Cory Byrd. The new collegiate rep at Virginia Tech was hired Jan. 1, 2020.
Each year, FCA reaches approximately 2 million coaches and athletes as it ministers across the country and around the globe through Camps, Huddles, training events, resources and much more.
In 1954, FCA was officially chartered on Nov. 10, in Norman, Oklahoma, after McClanen, a young basketball coach at the time, had a vision for a sports ministry seven years earlier. Today, six and a half decades later, FCA has a presence in thousands of communities in America and has exploded across the globe, with ministry in 92 countries through 298 leaders.
Dedicated FCA staff say they live each day with the goal to bring another coach, athlete or student to Christ, as they fulfill the FCA vision to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.
“One of the biggest things I wanted to do was create an environment where it was safe for students to grow in their faith and encourage one another,” said one team member.
Another reflected on the powerful impact of FCA Camps for the local FCA ministry.
“Every coach we get to Camp not only returns renewed and excited in their personal walk with the Lord, but they also come back with a greater sense of how they can utilize the FCA ministry to impact their teams and campuses for Jesus.”
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