The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (F.C.A.) was established by Don McClanen, a basketball coach in Norman, Okla. in 1954.
Upper Susquehanna Valley F.C.A. Representee Mr. Bruce Wilkins continued that legacy by bringing the F.C.A. to the Milton Area High School two years ago.
According to Mr. Wilkins, he chose to bring the F.C.A. to Milton because their mission is to “lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and his church.”
“Bringing the F.C.A. to Milton falls in line with the F.C.A.’s overall mission,” Mr. Wilkins said.
Mr. Wilkins said he began the process in September of 2023 to bring the F.C.A. to Milton. Through that time, he had to begin the steps of raising financial support for the program.
Mr. Wilkins started by looking for an adult volunteer, student volunteers, and apply for facility access with the Milton School Board.
Middle School Secretary Ms. Sarah Kitchens is Milton’s volunteer for the F.C.A., according to Mr. Wilkins.
According to Milton’s F.C.A. leader Senior Emily Waltman, the F.C.A. was made to bring students and athletes together to worship God.
Mr. Wilkins said he began discussing the program with Principal Mr. Michael Bergey in April of 2023. A year later Milton High School officially approved the F.C.A. program, he added.
Emily stated that every Wednesday, 20-25 students meet in the stadium locker room. The atmosphere is very positive and fun, Emily said. They make various foods and provide drinks, followed up with prayer, she added.
“In the morning people are still tired, but we make it fun and keep students full of excitement for the rest of the day,” Emily explained.
The biggest goal for the F.C.A. is to grow a number in size to get as many people in the F.C.A. as they can to lead students to God, Emily said.
“That’s what the F.C.A. is about, the fellowship of Christian athletes,” Emily said.
According to Emily, the F.C.A. uses Instagram and flyers to promote students and anyone to join also they have a sign outside of the stadium locker room. Anyone can get involved in the F.C.A; all you have to do is show up each Wednesday, she added.
