by Larry Oskin, Marketing Solutions
The South Lake County Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted their annual South Lake County Vision Night in The Wesley Center at Living Hope Church of Clermont. The 2026 FCA Vision Dinner gave our community the opportunity to hear the impact of FCA ministry programs here in South Lake County. Started in 1954, FCA is a global program that has inspired student athletes for over 70 years.
FCA Vision Night: Everyone was invited to this fundraiser showcasing the ministry and mission of Fellowship of Christian athletes here in South Lake County with great fellowship and food. The leaders and speakers shared stories and videos from coaches, athletes, staff, and community leaders to highlight their mission to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. They shared the 4 C’s of FCA Ministry which include Campus, Camps, Coaches & Community.
Sharing Praise & Glory: With shared comments and prayers, Area Director Tim Hancock, Dr. Jeff Duke, Kahlil Tucker, and Amanda Palomares led their inspirational program presentation designed to celebrate local athletic youth through a commitment to integrity, serving teamwork, and excellence. The speakers, student panelists and coaches shared their own personal transformation stories. Details from their camps, coaching activities and community programs were shared through the testimonials presented. While sharing truly heartfelt messages, Dr. Duke noted that “We are here to share our FCA mission and our vision through the many relationships we build. We know FCA directly impacts the coaches, each student athlete, their families and our community!”
Keynote Speaker: Former coach and Reverend Ken Smith shared an array of inspiring, funny and motivating stories about his lifetime career. He noted how he found FCA before it even existed, noting how he always helped students with acceptance of Jesus Christ and their Christianity!” He went on to say,” We all must thank the FCA for the positive impact on Lake County Schools and students as FCA keeps giving!” He motivated the audience by saying we must all pay careful attention to the dashes in our life helping students, and our community to succeed and our community by our actions taken between our birth and our death. … I live every day to make sure everyone in my life is good with God, no matter what!”
Tim Hancock shared a quote from Billy Graham; noting “A coach will impact more people in one-year than any other person will do in a lifetime!” He added, “Our FCA Vision Night is always a great fundraiser event to showcase the ministry from the victory stories about what the Lord is doing in and through our local athletes and coaches, while talking about our 4 C’s of ministry: Campus, Camps, Coaches and Community.” … “There are three ways in which you can help with the FCA needs here in South Lake County. Pray for FCA to continue to be used to make a spiritual difference in our community. Participate as a volunteer by using our God given talents along with your time to serve in ministry. Partner by becoming a financial partner and teammate with FCA to raise up staff with resources to pour into our youth.”
Inspired Ministry: FCA programs help their participating student community to become better individuals in a very positive manner through shared Christianity by their coaches, athletes, and families. They work to consistently engage, equip, and empower everyone to achieve success through their ministry. FCA helps students realize their purpose for doing what they do. They work to help support the students’ levels of handling stress and how to deal with their personal issues, while also supporting parents and families. The FCA Coaches spend much needed time at the each of the South Lake schools while coaching, teaching, and instructing student athletes.
School Team Huddles & Special Events: Locally, FCA shares their ministry with almost 3000 athletes on more than 100 sports teams from 20 participating schools and 6 area churches. South Lake is part of an international initiative that has now grown to successfully impact and service youth with powerful opportunities in 90 countries worldwide. Team huddles are held year-round to encourage athletes, coaches, and campuses to live and compete using biblical principles through the platform of athletic competition. They offer summer camp opportunities with positive athletic, spiritual and leadership training.
FCA Teamwork: The South Lake County area FCA team is led by Area Director Tim Hancock, Kahlil ‘Tuck’ Tucker as Metro Area Director, Administrative Assistant Mary Berens, Tina DeClercq and Zach Hancock and many others. They have created their own South Lake FCA Dream Team with community leaders, active board members, staff, generous financial partners, donors, and sponsors.
FCA of South Lake is always looking for new coaches, students, leaders, corporate sponsors, and donations to help make an impact in the lives of students and athletes.For More Information, contact The Fellowship of Christian Athletes at: THancock@FCA.org, 407-310-3146 or visit: www.floridafca.org and www.SouthLakeCountyFCA.org. Send mail to: PO Box 120272 in Clermont, FL 34712. Like and follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/southlakecountyfca/
