Athletes from around the school come together in fellowship. Each person has three things in common; their love for the game, their love for each other and their love for God. 

Canyon High School’s chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes will continue meeting Monday nights at 6 p.m. on the football field. Members have the opportunity to share testimonies with other students during the meetings said junior Taylor Thomas, who plays varsity basketball, volleyball and runs track in addition to being involved in FCA.

“We’ll have special visitors from W.T., coaches’ wives or parents that will share what we need to know about walking with Christ,” Thomas said. “I think a lot of us can go through the motions and have a negative outlook toward everything school related. Going to FCA gives you something to look forward to. You’re not going to lose anything by coming to a meeting. FCA is an hour where you can fellowship with your fellow students and have a good time.”

Along with different types of service projects throughout the school year, senior Brandel Barrett said one of the fellowship’s goals is to give students a chance to live by Christ every day.

“We play sports for the glory of God,” Barrett said. “FCA helps us make sure He is the reason why we are playing. Our main goal is to set examples for others across the school. Sports has an influence in school, and we use Christ as a way to do that.”

FCA is open to all Christian denominations. Barrett said FCA influences how its members act on and off the field. 

“We’ll pray before games,” Barrett said. “We try to lead by example and do good things everyday. Anybody can come to an FCA meeting. Our goal is to accept everybody into our group.”

FCA meetings are open to the entire student body. FCA president and senior Jack McKay said FCA is a place that aims to make students feel comfortable. 

“It’s a safe place to focus on God,” McKay said. “FCA gives people who are constantly struggling with temptation to go out and party or make the wrong choices a place to go. It’s a lot of students being together for God. It’s a lot of students talking about Christ. The leadership is more with the students.”

Head soccer coach and varsity football coach Matt McCloskey sponsors the club. McKay said FCA gives members the ability to make an impact around the school. 

“There’s not a lot of places where 16, 17 and 18-year-olds can go and share their faith and talk about their relationship with Christ,” McKay said. “FCA is one of those organizations where we can grow with each other, and we can learn from our mistakes. There’s a lot of places you can go and listen, but not a lot of places you can go and engage with other people your age.”

McKay said although FCA was founded by athletes, the club is for everyone.

“Striving to know God is where we all are,” McKay said. “People think if you don’t play sports, you can’t go. In reality, that’s the opposite of what we’re about. Nobody is worthy of God’s love, so who are we to reject anybody who wants to talk about Christ. If you have any urge to learn about God or grow at all or talk to people about God, come to an FCA meeting. Everyone is there to grow with you in faith.”