Cameron and Kelli Fuqua have embraced a community grass field of historical significance as a place to celebrate and develop God’s creation through the game of soccer.
“We’re truly grateful. What’s happening at St. Andrews Soccer Club is something we believe the Lord has had His hand in from the very beginning, and we’re humbled to be a part of it,” said Cameron, club president and creator of the organization founded in May 2024. “From the start, it felt more like a calling than a business. We saw kids who wanted to play but didn’t always have the opportunity, and we felt a responsibility to do something about it,” he said.
St. Andrews Soccer Club is a nonprofit licensed through the State of Florida. Costs to participate are low and subsidized for players who have financial obstacles.
At the field where the soccer players kick the balls around, there are two city signs noting the land’s significance. In 1962, two years before the legal end of segregation, the City of Panama City purchased the land on “The Hill” as the locals called it, “to serve the nearby school community,” according to the sign. The land was near the segregated former Oak Grove School. In 2024, the City renamed the field to Robert and Mary Cain Park, in honor of two local career educators and community influencers. As “devoted Christians…they dedicated their lives to teaching children in church…” marks another sign.
Now, 64 years later, neighborhood boys and girls of all races and nationalities, as well as those from nearby towns, play about the grounds. When children join hands, the world looks exactly as it should. “Diversity is one of our greatest strengths,” said Cameron, even among coaches. One coach is from England, partner coaches are from Jamaica, another coach lived in Alaska, there is a coach from Ireland, and three coaches are women.
Cameron, a veteran of the United States Air Force, gained a variety of perspectives through his travels and experiences. All this comes together as a community-driven soccer club, which he said is intentional. “We are about stewardship. We believe we’ve been given an opportunity to impact lives, and we take that seriously. Soccer is a game that doesn’t require much to start, but it gives so much in return—connection, growth and opportunity. We care just as much about who these kids become as we do about how they play.”
The Fuqua family’s leadership style has Christ as the foundation. “There’s something bigger than the scoreboard,” Cameron said. The couple cited a Bible verse to capture that sentiment. “Everyone who competes exercises discipline in all things. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Cameron and Kelli are most proud of the community that is forming.
The Club holds spring and fall sessions and serves about 150 players ages 6 to 16, with continued growth to younger age groups. “We’ve had nights where 70 – 80 kids show up just to open play, many of them not even part of our Club. That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a reflection of something real being built. Something people want to be part of,” Kelli said.
“Christ isn’t something we tack on,” said Cameron. “Christ shows up in how we treat people, how we respond in difficult moments, and how we define success. The kids feel the energy, the encouragement, and the fact that they matter.” The Club is a family affair for the Fuqua family. Kelli’s daughter Triniti,13, helps by volunteering in a variety of ways and Sophia, 7, is in the Club’s Lil Saints program designed for youth age 6 to 9.
The Club’s participation costs are about a third of what competitive clubs cost, and much time is spent tending to the whole person. One might think the St. Andrews Soccer Club training is not up to higher competitive standards. “Not so,” said Cameron. The children learn from coaches with credentials and skills spanning decades of experience across a variety of levels, international certifications, semi-professional experience and playing within noteworthy soccer organizations. The Club partners with LAX FC Soccer, Bay County’s semi-pro club, for guest coaches. LAX FC falls under a global talent company.
The St. Andrews Soccer Club uniform color for both boys and girls is light pink, just like professional soccer player Lionel Messi wears. “Many kids look up to him for his talent,” said Kelli. The Club travels to tournaments where families with multiple age groups can participate at the same venue. “This eases the burden on parents, and siblings can root for each other,” she said.
Apparently, the formula of family focus, developing character, building great players, and Christ as the foundation is working.
Hannah Bergtholdt, 13, said she likes the community and family feel of the Club. “The coaches are supportive to help me stay focused and grow my skills. I’ve only played for one other Club, and we never prayed before a game. I like when we pray before a game as a group.”
For more information, visit standrewssoccerclub.com, and the St. Andrews Soccer Club Facebook page.
