WICHITA, Kan. – The Friends University athletic department is excited to announce it has formed a partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization, Athletic Director Dr. Rob Ramseyer announced.
The agreement allows for scholarship money to be available for FCA students at Friends University while also providing an FCA staff member on campus for 20 hours per week to assist with mentoring the FCA student interns and connecting with student-athletes.
“We’re pleased to have a dynamic and important athletic partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes,” said Friends University President Dr. Amy Bragg Carey. “It further develops the Friend’s Christian mission with an organization that provides a solid, faith-based foundation and encouragement for all our student-athletes.”
The agreement also furthers a goal of FCA to have a “Coach for Christ” in every community (high school, college, elite amateur, professional club). This person would have been encouraged and equipped by an FCA staff member.
“We are excited to have an FCA presence on our campus and to work with them toward their goal of an FCA coach in every community in Kansas,” said Ramseyer. “I am grateful for the many generous donors who have helped us start this program quickly and look forward to seeing the impact over the coming years.”
The structure of the partnership between Friends University and the FCA is as follows:
Students are recruited to Friends University and given an additional scholarship for participation in the “FCA Internship Program.” The scholarship is guaranteed for four years as long as they are satisfying expectations of the program. The first three years of the student’s time at Friends focus on helping lead the FCA on the Friends University campus with the support of the FCA staff person. They will assist with on-campus programming and support for Friends student-athletes. Additionally, the FCA staff person will lead a weekly or bi-weekly small group study with the FCA Interns. The fourth year of the internship, the student intern will partner with a local high school to work with high school athletes and coaches.
“It has been an incredible blessing to partner with Friends University this past year,” said Kelly Thorne, Director of Western and Central Kansas FCA. “This open door has allowed us to reach more athletes and coaches with the Gospel. FCA is now able to provide opportunities for coaches to work with FCA staff, spend time in a monthly coaches Bible Study, and have one-on-one discipleship with staff and prayer support. Athletes are able to attend a FCA weekly huddle and two athletes are going through a discipleship leadership internship. We are excited to see how God will continue to use the FCA and Friends University to further His Kingdom.”
Additionally, the FCA staff person will work with other student-athletes and coaches through a variety of methods including coach mentoring, small group studies, going to practices, etc. The staff person will be able to come to staff meetings, go to practices/games, meet with coaches, etc.
“FCA has been a great blessing and opportunity for me as I have entered college,” said Friends University freshman cross country runner Caroline Giles. “We have a very consistent group right now that is close because of our bond through Christ. I love taking time out of my week to let down and dig into the Word with other student-athletes in my school. Our goal is to continue to invite others and grow our group so we can continue to instill Christ into our teams and classes.”
Applicants are also welcome to apply for two intern positions starting next year. The application deadline is April 15.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.
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