This article appears in the Spring 2025 issue of the FCA Donor Publication. The FCA publication is a gift from our FCA staff to all donors giving $50 or more annually. For more information about giving, visit here.

To reach every coach and athlete, FCA features eight sports environments, which are defined as a grouping of coaches and athletes with similar cultures and competitions. One of these is Action Sports.

Action or extreme sports are high-adrenaline, non-traditional sports that often involve speed, height, physical exertion and specialized gear. These sports typically emphasize individual performance and skill rather than team competition. They often take place in challenging environments such as mountains, oceans or urban settings. These sports are known for their risk-taking nature and strong subcultures, often associated with creativity, freedom and pushing personal limits. Organized competition occurs at all levels, although a more significant number of athletes participate individually or within a community.

Action Sports is truly “FCA for Life.” The athletes served through this sports environment range from age 7 (campers) to adult professionals to those who are still participating in their sport in their 70s.

FCA currently serves in the sports of:

• Skateboarding
• Surfing
• Snowboarding
• Skiing
• Mountain biking
• BMX
• Wakeboarding
• Climbing
• Endurance sports and cycling

The Recipients of Action Sports Ministry

• Action Sports Athletes

Many athletes see their sport as a lifestyle rather than just a competition, seeking community, purpose and belonging in their sport. Action Sports also impacts the families, communities and industries supporting and providing for action sports athletes.

• Coaches and Mentors

These coaches and mentors are leaders who influence the next generation of action sports athletes. They are individuals who have a heart for discipleship and integrating faith into their coaching. They have an opportunity to disciple young leaders who in turn disciple others in the action sports community.

• The Unchurched and Unreached

Many action sports athletes don’t have a church home or connection to traditional ministry. This community values authenticity, creativity and experience over structure, making FCA a bridge to introduce them to Jesus in relatable ways. This generation of athletes seeks mentorship, guidance and a faith-based identity—those searching for a purpose beyond their performance in action sports.

FCA Action Sports follows the E3 Discipleship Process:

1. Engage—Meet athletes where they are, whether at skate parks, surf breaks or mountain trails. An example is hosting local skate nights that include devotionals.

2. Equip—Train athletes and leaders with biblical teaching and discipleship tools. An example is surf camps that include small group Bible studies.

3. Empower—Send out transformed athletes to impact their communities. An example is a mountain biker who leads a faith-based training group.

One-on-One

FCA strives to create a personal discipleship journey designed to meet the uniquely personal needs of the coach or athlete—growing deep faith through God’s Word while doing life and sport together.

Discipleship programs have flourished, encouraging individuals to deepen their relationship with Christ. In Arizona, Dustin Orem, FCA’s Arizona Action Sports Representative, serves BMX pro riders. He introduces them to Jesus Christ and Scripture while repairing their bikes and encouraging them in life.

Huddle

A Huddle is a certified ministry program where two or more coaches or athletes meet regularly to grow their relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.

Huddles have been the ultimate gatherings, offering a space for a healthy, Christ-centered community. FCA Surf Representative Jonathan Nunez runs 10 surf and skate Huddles in California. Each gathering serves young athletes on the beach and at the park. His influence creates an atmosphere where youth can explore biblical truth while growing up in a community.

Events

In 2024, FCA Action Sports hosted 34 camps globally, with more than 1,000 participants in the sports of surf, skate, wakeboarding, BMX and mountain biking. Many campers came to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and reignited their passion for faith and community through the sport they love. Last summer, FCA Romania hosted the first-ever Christ-centered Mountain Biking Camp in their country. Under the leadership of country Director Daniel Luras, the synergy created through sport and faith was life-changing for both leaders and campers.

Other FCA Action Sports events include:

1. Skate contests and surf competitions

• Community-driven skate and surf events featuring open sessions, best-trick contests and athlete testimonies.
• Local and regional competitions provide a platform for skaters to showcase their skills while hearing the Gospel.

2. Surf

• Multi-day camps where athletes train with skilled surfers while engaging in Bible studies and faith discussions.
• Focus on building confidence in the water and in their faith.

3. Snow and mountain gatherings

• Ski and snowboard retreats that combine adventure, discipleship and fellowship.
• Small group devotionals at ski lodges and mountaintop worship sessions.

4. Climbing and outdoor adventure retreats

• Rock climbing and hiking trips that challenge athletes physically and spiritually.
• Prayer hikes, fireside worship and mentorship moments in God’s creation.

“God is moving powerfully in the Action Sports community—athletes are encountering Christ in the very places where they find their identity,” said Laura Matera, Executive Vice President of Action Sports. “We’ve seen skate parks become sanctuaries and waves become worship spaces as athletes learn to connect their passion with their faith. Action Sports create a unique opportunity to reach those who may never step into a traditional church, but through FCA, they are stepping into a relationship with Jesus.”

When surfers sit and wait for their turn in the water, or skaters wait for their turn at the skate park, relationships develop as they talk with one another.

“By God‘s grace, FCA is meeting Action Sports coaches and athletes where they are, walking with them in processing all they face, in both life and sport, through a biblical lens,” Matera said.

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