Resources:

• My Country 993 WCON -  The Music That Made Country Great

• Fellowship of Christian Athletes North Georgia – Learn more about the mission and events of FCA in North Georgia.

• Longstreet Cafe

About the Guest(s):

Chuck Holland is the head coach of the Franklin County Lions football team. Raised in Franklin County, Livonia, Georgia, Chuck comes from a sports-oriented family, with his father having played basketball at the University of Georgia. After a journey that included playing football at Western Carolina and finding his faith at the University of Georgia, Chuck transitioned into youth ministry for six years. He eventually brought his passion for impacting young people to the education field, teaching and coaching a variety of sports. In his third year as head coach of the Franklin County Lions, Chuck emphasizes character building and the holistic development of his players, both on and off the field.

Episode Summary:

Join hosts Joel Williams and Clint Fair in an engaging dialogue with Coach Chuck Holland on the FCA North Georgia Coaches Podcast. Recorded live at Longstreet Cafe, this episode delves into the role of faith, family, and sports in education today. From Chuck's early days learning the ropes in youth ministry to his impactful tenure as the head coach of the Franklin County Lions, discover how he balances his love for Jesus, family, and football. As Chuck reflects on an outstanding year in 2025 for his team, the conversation shifts to the intricacies of molding young men through sports, buoyed by an evolving yet consistent faith journey.

Explore the vibrant culture of small-town high school sports and the dynamic challenges coaches face. Chuck Holland shares his strategic approach to blending traditional sports with a forward-thinking mindset, highlighting the unique culture in Carnesville and the bonds formed over years in the community. Discover how Chuck navigates the increasingly competitive and demanding world of high school football while staying true to his mission of enriching young lives through coaching. This episode offers a peek behind the scenes of high school coaching, filled with inspirational insights and professional anecdotes tailored to resonate with educators, coaches, and sports enthusiasts alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Faith-Driven Coaching: Chuck Holland emphasizes the importance of faith in his coaching methodology, focusing on character development and spiritual growth alongside athletic success.

• Community and Cultural Building: Leveraging a cohesive community environment, Franklin County's single high school benefits from strong local support and a family-like atmosphere.

• Relationships in Coaching: Emphasized the role of building relationships with players and staff as a critical factor in fostering a successful team dynamic around commitment, accountability, and brotherhood.

• Adapting to Challenges: Chuck discusses the evolution of high school sports, noting the challenges in attracting athletes to football compared to other, less demanding sports.

• Personal and Professional Growth: Highlighting his journey from youth ministry to head coach, Chuck’s story is one of perseverance, patience, and the transformative power of sports as a ministry tool.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Football is a small part of the big picture, and we try to use football to turn boys into young men."

2. "What I learned in youth ministry for those six years prepared me for just about everything I faced as a coach."

3. "Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it's the Lord's purpose that will prevail."

4. "When looking at culture piece, it's huge... community support is amazing in Franklin county."

5. "We're here to impact the young men... coaching is more a mission field to raise them.