Fellowship of Christian Athletes looking forward to 2026, but needs funds
MADISON – “Whatever God leads us to do, I thank you in advance,” said Fellowship of Christian (FCA) Multi-Area Director Ken Burnett as the FCA heads into a New Year looking for better and new relationships to help support the organization based on helping the youth of North Alabama in their athletic and spiritual endeavors.
“Entering the 2026 year, we have five full-time missionaries and 19 part-time missionaries serving in the five-county Northeast Alabama area impacting student-athletes all across the area,” added Burnett.
With donations pouring in at what is a moderate pace, Burnett indicated there’s always the need for more as the FCA had 58 high school and college student interns on its summer staff in 2025, all of which help serve the four Summer Sports Camps and two Leadership Conferences held during the year.
Burnett said the fiscal-year budget for the local FCA in its upcoming 22nd year is $450,000.
The Northeast Alabama branch of the FCA serves over 114,000 students in grades K-12 throughout the five counties of Madison, Marshall, Cullman, Jackson and Blount as 64,000 of those in Madison County alone. The FCA’s coverage includes over 80 campuses and more are expected in the coming school year.
Sponsorship opportunities to assist the efforts of the FCA come in an array of events and activities such as: PTL Party, golf tournaments, men’s and women’s huddles, and the Iron Bowl Prayer Breakfast Tour. Additional huge events for the FCA in 2026 will be its annual Power Leadership Training (PLT) Conference and the Coach and Spouse Marriage Enrichment Weekend. The 2026 version of the couple getaway is set for later this month, with limited spaces available.
The FCA has three separate ways that can easily be asserted by a donor and accepted by the Christian- based organization. Those ways include: “Year-End Gift” (onetime donation per calendar year), “Stock Giving” (reduces donors tax liability) and “Monthly Partner” (automatic electronic donations).
One of the most exciting and moving experiences has been the FCA opening the doors into the locker rooms, especially of football teams, of local schools prompting powerful moments to encourage players and coaches, pray with them and share the hope of what the Gospel teaches. Youth pastors have also played a part in the festivities who have gone the extra mile to partner with FCA and speak truth into the lives of student- athletes. To contact the Northeast Alabama Fellowship of Christian Athletes, visit the organization’s website at www.northalabamafca.org or call 256-509-3692.
