Every Thursday at 8 p.m., a group of student-athletes gathers, not for training or practice, but for something just as important: fellowship, community, and faith. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at SUNY Cortland is a growing club that invites athletes and students to share in something bigger than the sports they play.
FCA is a space where students come together to encourage one another through shared experiences, open conversations, and competitive games that break the ice and bring people together. Each meeting lasts just one hour, but the impact stretches far beyond.
From high-energy games to in-depth discussions, every week looks a little different, but the goal remains the same: to grow in faith and community. Members are always free to be honest about the pressures of college athletics, and in return, they receive support, prayer, and friendship.
Sol, our Bible study leader and a guiding voice in the group, explained the heart behind it all: “As athletes, we can get so focused on our performance and productivity and forget that we are more than just the sport we play,” he said “At FCA, we talk about the importance of knowing not only that God loves you, but that He cares about you-and that you experience joy in everything you do.”
That joy is evident in every meeting. After a game of head, shoulders, knees, and cone or competitive relays, members gather in a circle to share stories and discuss how biblical principles apply to real-life challenges. Whether it’s managing pressure, bouncing back from failure, or finding identity beyond athletics, FCA always brings it back to faith.
Sol added, “At FCA, we can talk about many of the struggles student athletes face and apply biblical principles in different areas of our lives.”
And if he had to describe FCA in one word? … “Community”
It’s that sense of belonging that draws people in and keeps them coming back. You don’t have to be a varsity athlete or a bible expert to attend. Just show up, be yourself, and be ready to have fun and grow.
FCA meets every Thursday at 8 p.m., and students always say they feel welcome the moment they walk in. The atmosphere is open, relaxed, and full of encouragement. Whether you are looking to grow in your faith or just connect with others, there’s no reason to feel scared to come to FCA’s huddles. Everyone is welcomed with open arms-no judgement, just community.
Visit our Instagram for more information: @cortlandfca