Author Mark Batterson once wrote, “Words create worlds.” That’s true in life, and it’s especially true in youth sports.
The book we’re highlighting across all our FCA Sports programming, Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, echoes the same truth. The language we use as parents doesn’t just describe what’s happening—it shapes the way our kids see themselves, their team, and even their faith.
Think about it: the words spoken at home, in the car, and from the sideline become the soundtrack our kids play on repeat in their heads. Words can either tear down or build up. They can shrink a child’s confidence or launch them into a new level of courage.
At home, our words can remind our kids that their value isn’t tied to a scoreboard. In the car, our words can turn silence into a safe place for conversation. On the sideline, our words—cheers, encouragements, even simple reminders of effort—can echo louder than the crowd.
Meet Ray
This is where we’d like to introduce you to Ray—a fictional 10-year-old athlete whose story will weave through Parent Corner in the weeks ahead. Ray comes from a split home. He loves sports, but sometimes struggles with emotions and expectations that feel too big for him to handle.
Last weekend, Ray’s team had their first game. He missed an open shot and quickly glanced toward the sideline, nervous about what he might see. His mom smiled and called out, “Keep hustling, Ray—we love watching you play!” That one sentence changed everything. Ray sprinted back on defense with a grin.
Ray’s story reminds us: our words shape how kids see themselves, how they process mistakes, and how they step into the next play.
Takeaway: Batterson is right—words create worlds. And as Away Game reminds us, parents are always discipling—whether we realize it or not. Let’s choose words this week that build faith, courage, and joy in our athletes.
Want to dive deeper? Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports reminds us that every practice, every game, and every ride home can become a moment of spiritual growth and intentional discipleship. Explore more of these insights here: Away Game on Amazon.
Win The Day,
Troy Farley
FCA Sports Leagues Director