The Rural Kid Initiative
Bringing athletic opportunities to the rural areas
Misconception:
Rural communities don't have talent, money or reach.
Truth
The biggest hurdle to our rural kids getting opportunities is travel.
High level training is at least (40 minutes away)
We are looking to bring these events to them...and we did.
Big events in small town... has it's advantages :)
Upstate Basketball Clinic
In the heart of one small community we brought coaches from Boston College, West VA University and Regent University to run clinics. Right at the local high school in Middleburgh NY.
Soccer Clinics featuring over 30 years of coaching in upstate NY.
Each coach is trained to teach the FCA Pillars of sports
The Legacy is an adaptive sports initiative across NY! The RKI has partnered with FCA to bring opportunity to local athletes with disabilities! Check out the video below for our most recent endeavor HOOP DREAMS!!
WHO ARE WE?
Amber Johns is the director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has coached soccer at the high school level after playing Division 1 soccer for Liberty University. Gregg Johns, PE and head soccer coach for the local high school also played Division for Canisius College. Both have dedicated their lives to the athletes they have coached . The opportunity to work through FCA and their local Valley Soccer Fields is a HUGE blessing.
The rural kid initiative came as an idea when several athletes had the interest to pursue a better soccer level, but didn't have the transportation or funds to make it happen.
HOW CAN WE CREATE AMAZING OPPORTUNITY RIGHT IN OUR BACKYARD?
Small rural schools such as Jefferson, Margaretville, Stamford, South Kortright Middleburgh and Schoharie Schools alone have produced several Div 1, 2 and 3 athletes to colleges such as Sienna, Maryland, Iona, Univ. of Vermont, Loyola, St. Alfred State, Rose,Regent Univ, Canisius, Oneonta State, Univ. of Buffalo and many more.
Contact Info
518-657-9218
ajohns@fca.org