Club sports have taken the world by storm, with 800,000 members participating in AAU events and tournaments each year. *The level of competition and talent that walks in and out of these places is high. But what about the number of lives saved or changed? How often has the Gospel been shared with young participants at these tournaments?
Mike Davis, Director of FCA Central Florida Basketball, found himself asking these questions. In March 2025, in Orlando, Florida, Treasure Coast Basketball Club hosted its first FCA basketball club tournament, “Bigger Than Basketball.” Jesus was the center, the Gospel was the focus and the spirit of excellence and servanthood filled the gym.
Davis first had this vision years ago, and after meeting Nick Beaver, FCA Treasure Coast Basketball Club Director and coach, the two began discussing the idea. Their first trial run was a tournament in partnership with AAU, but it felt as if no fruit came from this experience.
They went back to the drawing board, and after a year of intentional prayer and preparation, they made this dream a reality.
“We didn’t want to rush it,” Davis explained. “We wanted it to be run in excellence, and God honored that.”
Parents walked away expressing that this was the most organized and well-run tournament they had been a part of. But even more than that, there was an appreciation for the way their children’s hearts and souls were cared for.
Before and after each game, the teams would go before the Lord in prayer. Between games, tables with FCA staff were set up, ready to offer quick devotions and prayer.
LaSheeta Hussey, a parent and coach from 1 Body Outreach Basketball Club, was touched by the experience.
“A lot of the kids were going up to the tables and asking for prayer,” Hussey said. “I was surprised and really impressed by that.”
Throughout the weekend, staff and other volunteers handed out the FOUR bracelets, Jesus Won bracelets, 360 Coaching material and Bibles until they ran out. They even prepared a short message on Sunday prior to the first game, recognizing an opportunity to bring church to those who are at the gym instead.
Another parent and FCA coach, Mike Gardner, described a moment he witnessed on Sunday. In the heat of the game, one team got a bit heated due to the intensity of the competition. Instead of letting it go on, Gardner ran to get Davis. They stopped the game and seized an opportunity to teach a valuable lesson to the young men competing. They explained on a deeper level the name of the tournament, life is “Bigger Than Basketball” and how all competitors seek to be like Christ, even in the heat of competition.
“Our job is to be faithful in the Great Commission,” said Gardner. “We don’t know how God will use faithful planting.”
By the end of the weekend there were 15 known salvations and professions of faith.
Bryce Hussey, a player from 1 Body Outreach, appreciated the heart of this tournament. He saw his teammate's appreciation for it as well.
“You could tell they were actually intrigued and wanted to learn something new,” Hussey said. “They were really wanting to learn about the Gospel.”
Given how parents, players and coaches responded, Davis and Beaver are hopeful that they will be able to continue hosting FCA basketball tournaments in the Treasure Coast area. They are excited to present the Gospel and pour the love of Jesus into more young players and their families.
“At that tournament, there was a shift in atmosphere that you could tangibly feel,” Beaver said. The Holy Spirit was there.”
Ministry Prayer Request: You can partner with the FCA Treasure Coast Basketball clubby committing to pray for the players who have encountered the Gospel and that they would continue to chase after Christ. You can also pray for the next tournament in the Treasure Coast area and that the Lord will continue to provide ways for these tournaments to continue.
*https://aausports.org/
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Photos courtesy of Mike Davis