What Does Fellowship of Christian Athletes Even Mean? To many, it can be seen as a great way to start your morning. To others, it could be something they look forward to every Thursday. But the true purpose of FCA is to bring school athletes together for worship and guidance. FCA is more than just twenty minutes every Thursday — it brings people together and allows students to express themselves with others who may be going through similar struggles.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a presence that is widespread, becoming the largest organization of its kind in America. It was founded in 1954 by Eastern Oklahoma A&M basketball coach Don McClanen, who later resigned to become FCA’s first full-time director. His goal was to create real change — starting with athletes.
FCA’s mission is to guide all athletes toward forming a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. It provides student-athletes with an understanding of Christ and helps build strong connections with those around them. McClanen once stated, “FCA is God’s amazing, miraculous dream being fulfilled still to this day.” His words reflect how FCA serves as a vessel of God’s work in the lives of student-athletes — a legacy that continues every day.
FCA has become a huge success in Woodford County. It is held in both our middle school and high school. Woodford’s FCA program is a powerful group, with numerous athletes attending . There is even an FCA choir that begins each Thursday morning devotion, followed by a fellow student who typically shares a message. These messages often relate to personal experiences and how Jesus Christ has made life-changing impacts on their lives.
FCA does a phenomenal job of making athletes feel included and loved by Jesus Christ. The adults who help run FCA at Woodford County always remind students that they will always have someone in their corner — and that’s Jesus. The directors also take time to ask for prayer requests, whether for loved ones, upcoming games, or injuries. These requests can be about anything. The objective is to make students feel welcomed, heard, and valued.
Participation is completely voluntary — there’s no pressure to take part, but everyone is welcome. Many who attend find it helpful and even begin to look forward to it, like Hannah Simeonov, a senior at Woodford County High School. Simeonov attends every Thursday with her friends. It has become something they look forward to together.
Simeonov shares, “We go to FCA because it’s a way for me and my friends to come together through Christ. Getting to spend that time with them is something that only happens on these Thursday mornings!”
Simeonov has found meaning in FCA — even though it’s only once a week for twenty minutes, she makes it count. She is just one of many students positively impacted by FCA. Across the country, millions of students continue to find fulfillment through these gatherings, experiencing the love of friends, teachers, and coaches.
The desire to include all student-athletes in FCA remains the organization’s ultimate goal. It doesn’t take much to be part of this community — just show up twenty minutes early to school every Thursday. Everyone is welcome. It’s never too late to join and become a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
And as we say every morning: Have a good day, Jackets, and remember — you are loved!
