FCA’s Inaugural Pickleball Tournament: In a bid to channel the enthusiasm for pickleball into a charitable cause, the Northwest Kentucky FCA is gearing up to host its first-ever pickleball tournament. This event, slated for August 10 at the Owensboro Country Club, reflects pickleball’s meteoric rise as the fastest-growing sport in the nation. The tournament, starting at 8:30 a.m. and running throughout the day, aims to raise funds for FCA while fostering community engagement.
Bringing Pickleball and Fellowship Together
Organizer Laura McCain shows the dual purpose of the tournament: raising funds and creating a space for fellowship. With over 70 registrations already, McCain aims to cap the event at between 125 and 150 participants.
“We personally love it. We knew that if we could run it, we could get a well-oiled machine going, and it would promote itself. People absolutely love the sport. It’s quick, it’s fast, it’s social, it’s strategic. It has all the things.” – (Laura McCain)
Tournament Details and Structure
The one-day event will feature doubles matches, allowing players to register even if they don’t have a partner. Competitions will be divided by skill level and gender into three categories: beginners (players rated 2.9 and below), intermediates (3.0 to 3.9), and advanced (4.0 and above). Area Director Jeff Moran highlights the inclusivity of the event, welcoming participants from the 9-county FCA service area.
“We can share what FCA is doing, how God is using FCA in our area, and the difference that it’s making in the lives of athletes and coaches in the schools.” – (Moran)
A Future Fixture for FCA
McCain hopes the tournament will become a staple fundraiser for FCA, which relies on private donations rather than grants.
“It’s fulfilling our mission while raising money for it. We don’t get any grants, so it goes to support all of the work our staff or anyone that we would ever add would have to be privately funded. So everything that you know this is extremely important.” – (McCain)
Community and Corporate Support
Moran acknowledges the support from local businesses and sponsors, including the Country Club and Advanced Orthopedics.
“I’m discovering that FCA has made a difference in several other people’s lives, which has made a huge difference in my life. The more people who have heard about this event or know that FCA is active and doing ministry, the more people will talk about the difference, and we’ll be able to pour into other people.” – (Moran)
The FCA’s pickleball tournament promises to be more than just a day of sports; it’s a convergence of community spirit and charitable purpose, setting the stage for ongoing support and engagement. Registrations are open to the 9-county service area and participants can sign up without a partner.
| Date | Time | Skill Level | Details |
| August 10 | 8:30 AM – Throughout the Day | All Levels | Doubles tournament, categories by skill level and gender |
| Categories: | Beginners (2.9 and below) | ||
| Intermediates (3.0 to 3.9) | |||
| Advanced (4.0 and above) |
News in Brief: FCA’s Inaugural Pickleball Tournament
The Northwest Kentucky FCA is hosting its inaugural pickleball tournament on August 10 at Owensboro Country Club, starting at 8:30 a.m. The event aims to raise funds for FCA’s mission to support coaches and athletes. With over 70 registrations so far, the tournament will feature doubles matches divided by skill level and gender into three categories: beginners, intermediates, and advanced.
Area Director Jeff Moran hopes the event will promote FCA’s work in the community. Organizer Laura McCain emphasizes that the tournament is a crucial fundraiser, as FCA relies on private donations.
