Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis White.
Alexis, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started off as a Huddle Leader at a FCA Youth Powercamp. FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) is a non-denominational Christian sports ministry that focuses on Coaches, Campus, Camp and Community ministry.
A huddle leader is basically a counselor. A Powercamp is typically for young athletes ages 8-12 who want to develop their skill in sports. This particular camp was for inner-city youth, and they learned non-traditional sports. So instead of basketball and football, they were taught sports such as tennis, soccer, lacrosse, and archery. I served as a huddle leader for five years. After graduating college and aging out of the position, I reached out to the camp director. I knew I was too “old” to be a huddle leader, however this camp was making such a difference in kids lives and had also made such an impact on my life over the years. I wanted to stay involved in any capacity that was available. I was then offered a position as a Huddle Leader Coordinator. This was the person who interviewed, hired, and trained the huddle leaders. I served in that summer position for two years. At the end of my second summer in 2017, I was offered a position to officially join the staff of FCA Urban Atlanta. I served as an assistant to Atlanta’s Metro Director. During this time, I was introduced to FCA Urban Soccer. Urban Soccer is a co-ed faith-based recreational soccer league that is tailored to Atlanta’s inner city youth. I immediately fell in love with the kids and the sport. After helping out with the league over the years, in 2019, I was given the opportunity to become the Director of Urban Soccer.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth? This journey has been everything except smooth. Being that most of our teams are located in Urban Atlanta, finance and transportation is a big issue. To overcome this obstacle, we rent field spaces in each of the neighborhoods. That way kids are able to walk to practice. On game day, a lot of the kids carpool to the location, or are picked up by coaches. We also partner with local churches or afterschool programs in the neighborhood. Most of the time, these local churches or programs are able to cover the kids registration fee or provide volunteer coaches. The coaches are a vital part of Urban Soccer. They are the ones who are living out our Mission. Which is To provide a lifeline and a hope to Atlanta’s inner-city youth through Christ-Centered, mentor-coach relationships. The coaches are the ones who are teaching the kids skills they need to know on and off of the field, who are picking the kids up and dropping them off, and who are their biggest advocates.
I’m so grateful for my coaches, but they aren’t always easy to come across. Finding people who will commit to leading practices and devotionals during the week, coaching games on Saturdays, and being available when parents have questions or concerns is a big ask. Not to mention it’s a volunteer position and they already have fulltime jobs and families of their own. This road has been frustrating, overwhelming, and sometime defeating. But above all, this road has been incredibly rewarding. I am so grateful for the partnerships I have gained, and the relationships I have formed. I am appreciative of everyone who pours into this ministry and who pours into me. My faith and patience is constantly tested, but I still wouldn’t trade it for any other job. The work that I see being done is evident that this is more than a job, it’s a calling.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the FCA Urban Soccer Story. Tell us more about your work.
We are a co-ed faith based recreational soccer league that is tailored to Atlanta’s inner city youth. We have three age divisions: 7u, 10u, and 14u. We seek out local neighborhoods, and reach out to churches or afterschool programs in that neighborhood in hopes that they are interested in partnering with us. We then find kids who are interested in soccer, or at least open to the idea. After gaging interest, we reach out to the churches/afterschool programs to see if they have anyone who is interested in being a volunteer coach. That coach is then paired with a neighborhood. Right now we have over 200 kids in teams located in Adamsville, MLK, Southeast Atlanta, Decatur, Old Fourth Ward, and English Avenue. We also have two schools who plays with our league, Kipp Strive Academy, and Kindezi West. What sets us apart from other soccer organizations is our ministry aspect.
During each practice, the coach leads a devotion. On game day, before the start of each game, all of the teams, parents, and coaches come together to attend a brief devotion led by a guest speaker. During the season, each player receives a practice uniform, a game day uniform, team pictures, individual pictures, and a bible. Another aspect that sets us apart from other leagues is that all of our games are officiated by certified child referees. So for example, the 7u division, whos players are ages 6 & 7, could potentially have a 10- 11 year old referee. The 10u division, whos players are ages 8-10, could potentially have a 13-14 year old referee. And the 14u division, whos players are ages 11-14, could potentially have a 16-17 year old referee.
I am most proud of being able to see a league comprised of 99% black little boys and girls, not only playing soccer, but loving it, and being great at it. Especially in a world that wants to stereotype them. I love being able to witness graduations, or hear about scholarships or other opportunities that has been received. I am proud of the players, coaches, and parents who receive Christ along the way. And I am proud to know that I played a small role in what they become. I know what it’s like growing up in a not so safe neighborhood. I know what it’s like to want to play a sport I’m told is not for me, or to want to play a sport but can’t afford the registration fee or the equipment needed. Most of all, I know what it’s like to have someone pour into me. So to be able to give kids both what I did and did not have, is a great honor. I am proud to see this league make it to ten years, and I pray that we will have many more.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Sherrill Dallis, Adrienne, LaShea, and Brent. Sherrill Dallis was the property manager who gave Adrienne access to starting the first team in the soccer league back in 2010. Adrienne is the founder of Urban Soccer, and the person who introduced me to the sport. LaShea is the person who hired me years ago as a huddle leader. If it were not for her, I would have never been able to see the impact FCA makes. She has been an incredibly influential person in my life, both professionally and personally. Brent has been by side since I’ve stepped into the role of Director. Two things he always ask: “How are you doing” and “How can I help”. Both of which goes a long way. All of my current and past coaches.
Again, this league could not run without them. LC, Devron, Shantel, Twain, Ryan, Joe, Dale, and Billy, They are my site directors, which are the connection point between me and the neighborhoods. They are also coaches. Georgia State. Each season their men and women’s soccer team allow our players to attend a game, walk on the field with their starting line up team, and play on the field during halftime. This is a time when our players are able to see who and where they could one day be. Every church and organization that has ever partnered with us, and every donor who gives financially to support us. Most importantly, God, who gives us grace everyday, and the strength to get through each season despite of the obstacles.
Pricing:
- Registration fee: $30
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.fcaurbansocceratl.org/
- Phone: 404.438.6451
- Email: awhite@fca.org
- Instagram: fcaurbansocceratl
- Facebook: FCA Urban Soccer: ATL
- Other: https://my.fca.org/alexiswhite
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