Former Baltimore Ravens SuperBowl Champion, Rod Payne, and former NFL player and NCAA Auburn National Champion, Michael Blanc, will headline the 9th Annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Celebrity Golf and Tennis Classic  on September 27 and 28 at the Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale.

“This year’s FCA event has expanded to include a tennis Pro-Am beginning Sunday afternoon, September 27 from 3-5:30 p.m., partnering with Match Point Ministries, Inc. and professional tennis coach, Scott Williams. In addition, former #1 men’s player in the world, Roscoe Tanner, and the record holder for the fastest serve on the WTA Women’s Tour, Brenda Schultz-McCarthy, are just two of several professionals scheduled to participate in the round robin doubles format,” said Carl Foster, event manager.

Sunday evening’s festivities from 6-9 p.m. will include the MPM/FCA tennis awards, a live and silent auction plus musical entertainment and the official Pairings Party kickoff buffet for the Celebrity Golf Classic. All teams will be matched with the celebrities hosted by NFL players, Rod Payne and Michael Blanc, sharing the FCA mission and vision as well as their testimonies.

 

Rod Payne

Payne played in the NFL from 1997-2002 and was the first center selected in the 1997 NFL Draft in third round by the Cincinnati Bengals. He was also a member of the 2001 Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl Championship Team.

He was also a successful collegiate player at the University of Michigan named All Big-Ten Honorable Mention as a center in 1994. He received the Victors Award, bestowed on a player who exhibits the highest level of play in 1994-95-96.  Payne was a 1995-96 All Big Ten first team selection. Payne was elected team captain in 1996 where he received the Hugh Rader Most Valuable Lineman and the Glen E. “Bo” Schembechler Most Valuable Player. He has been speaking and coaching with FCA for past several years in South Florida.

FCA’s Mission

All proceeds will benefit the FCA mission to impact the world for Jesus Christ by empowering athletes and coaches at high schools, on campuses, camp scholarships and FCA resources for huddle groups serving Broward county.”

Athletes who fully surrender themselves to the Lord—going “All in”— stay focused and work diligently to accomplish their goals. Following Colossians 3:17, they dedicate their work to God, using their talents to glorify him and receiving the strength, assurance and foundation through Christ required to achieve anything (Philippians 4:13).

Registration

Michael Blanc, who is also FCA Broward Director, said, “A limited amount of golf foursomes and tennis round robin slots are available partnered with South Florida celebrity players, coaches and entertainers.

Registration for the golf tournament and a continental breakfast will begin Monday, September 28th, at 8am, followed by a free 30-minute golf clinic by a PGA Pro and a putting contest. A shotgun start for the celebrity golf classic will start promptly at 9 a.m. with longest drive, closest to pin contests and a Hole in One chance to win a 2016 Jaguar. An awards lunch buffet and raffle will conclude the day.

To reserve your foursome, tennis team or to become a corporate sponsor, a hole sponsor with a tee sign or to attend the festivities, visit www.goldcoastfca.org or call Carl Foster, event director/FCA executive board member, at 561-797-9500 or email [email protected].