History
Since 1979, Christian Athletic Association has been offering various sports programs in the San Jose area since being founded by Ray Holt out of the First Baptist Church in San Jose. God has been pleased to sustain the organization over the years as we have offered many sports activities including soccer, volleyball, golf, street hockey, softball, baseball, and basketball.
Since 2003, we have focused exclusively on soccer. CAA currently offers both fall and spring soccer seasons.
What distinguishes CAA from other leagues? Is there a vision? Why would I want to join? What are the core values of the organization? The CAA Board summarized it as follows. CAA is a family sports ministry that:
- Provides a Christian environment for sports
- Reinforces Christian character
- Encourages the strengthening of family relationships.
Elaborating on those statements, CAA is an organization that serves (or ministers) families in the community by offering sports programs.
What is meant by a Christian environment? We set up the season to attempt to provide competition through sports in a God-honoring way. We believe that every player should have opportunity and be challenged to improve in athletic skills and in character. Our Board members are chosen because they exemplify Christian Character and have a passion for sports. CAA events are opened or closed in prayer. Authority is to be respected, whether it is the league director, coaches, referees, or parents. Players are to be nurtured during the younger years, while being held increasingly accountable to exhibit pride, hustle, and desire as they get older. All players will be given an opportunity to play every game according to CAA’s equal-play rule.
How do we reinforce Christian Character? Leaders and coaches are encouraged to reinforce proper attitude and approach in competition according to positive character traits enumerated in the Bible. Every coach is given access to CAA character studies material to be used at his or her discretion. The fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are to be exemplified on or off the field by players, coaches, and parents.
CAA also believes in strong involvement of families to strengthen family relationships. Parents are encouraged to volunteer as coaches, team parents, helpers, and board members. Training meetings, manuals, and clinics are given to help out new volunteers. Spending time with children is seen as the preferred approach rather than just dropping them off. A popular event, Family Day, is scheduled in the fall between the regular season and tournament so that families can enjoy eating, participating in fun events, or just talking and fellowshipping. This is a welcome diversion from the regular game-day routine.
We hope this gives you a flavor of what we are trying to accomplish. By God’s grace, we evaluate our offerings on a yearly basis in an attempt to identify areas of improvement.
Come join the fun… Play CAA!
