For more than two decades, Todd Clover has been a quiet force for change in Western Pennsylvania, blending his passion for service with his partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Now, as the recipient of the Fall 2024 FCA Branch Rickey Service Award, his impact on the community has been recognized nationally.
“I have a love for athletics and my faith is very important to me,” said Clover. “Working with an organization that holds both of my passions is very exciting. I was first introduced to FCA when I was asked to join the FCA Laurel Highlands board, and that’s when I really learned about the heart of the ministry.”
Clover has since served on multiple boards and has been vital to the growth of FCA in Johnstown and Western Pennsylvania. He has helped bring on full-time staff, been a loyal donor and served as a Board Chair for many years.
“Working on our local FCA boards has been fulfilling in many ways,” said Clover. “I’ve watched our area expand and grow to around twenty-eight Huddles. It’s remarkable how the Lord has blessed our efforts to spread the Good News of the Gospel to others.”
Clover also serves as an FCA Character Coach for the Conemaugh Township Area High School football team and leads a devotional with the players before every home game. Whether he incorporates an FCA devotional or takes the time to create his own, he ensures that each student has the chance to pray and talk during their time together.
“These devotionals are a great time to get the team participating and involved in conversations about Christ’s love,” said Clover. “I prepare for these devotions with a lot of focus and prayer. Over the years, the group took on a life of its own.”
Clover has built solid relationships with the athletes as brothers in Christ, and many students continue to keep in touch with him after graduation, maintaining their faith both on and off the field.
“Our student-athletes love Coach Clover, and he has been a father figure and a light in the darkness that these boys have needed,” said Patrick Himes, FCA Laurel Highlands Representative. “I am thankful that he continues to show our players how to press forward in life.”
Watching the team grow in their faith year after year has been a rewarding experience for Clover. With each home game, he witnesses the players bonding together as they discuss their struggles.
“We’ve become a family,” said Clover. “There are a lot of things going on in the lives of these athletes. This gives them an opportunity to really open up with each other and share their hearts. Getting high school kids to talk about their faith is very important to me.”
When Clover lost his mom last September, the head coach brought the whole team to the funeral home in support of Clover and his family. It was a powerful experience for the team that reflected the grace and love of God.
“I will never forget that moment and was so grateful to be cared for in that way,” said Clover.
Reflecting on his years of service, Clover’s favorite memories of volunteering with FCA have been watching kids compete with the joy of Christ. He cherishes the relationships he’s made with athletes and staff and hopes to continue growing the local ministry.
“If you spend five minutes with Todd, you will immediately understand why he has been such an impact player in his community for Jesus,” said Mike Hojnacki, FCA Pennsylvania State Director. “He is as humble as they come, yet carries a tremendous spiritual depth that he pours out for others without reservation.”
Clover’s theme verse is Philippians 4:13: “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
“I believe that we as believers are called to create disciples,” said Clover. “It’s vital that we build into the lives of others. It’s a purposeful and rewarding way to spend our days.”
Please pray for Todd Clover and his wife, Gail, as he continues to grow the mission of FCA in Western Pennsylvania alongside staff.
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Photos courtesy of Todd Clover and FCA