Impacting lives is what Florida A&M football players Lamar Clark and Neylon Jenkins care about.
Earlier this month, the Rattlers went on a week-long mission trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
While there, FAMU players and their fellow FCA members spread the importance of Christ and introduced American football to Argentina's youth.
“I didn't know what to expect, but when I arrived from the jump everyone was so polite and welcoming,” Clark said. “Everyone was eager to learn about soccer and Christ.
“It was amazing to see the relationships we built over the course of the week. Being there inspired me to bring my eagerness to learn and grow back to my team and community.”
To make the Buenos Aires trip possible, Clark and Jenkins were tasked with raising $2,500 each within one month to cover travel, food and lodging costs.
He describes the fundraising effort as “scary at first,” but an article published by the Tallahassee Democrat and Rattlers on O&G StrikeZone quickly helped FAMU players reach the funding threshold. Dr. Timothy Childs, a former FAMU player and linebacker on the Rattlers' 1978 NCAA Division I-AA championship team, and his family made a large donation to both Mr. Clark and Mr. Jenkins.
“Rattler Nation is one of them. No one else is going to get through it like they did. So there was no doubt in my mind,” Jenkins said, adding that FAMU supporters gave props for helping raise money for the trip. “They make sure we can't be without it. Thank God for them and the 'family' we have.”
“I can’t wait to join the alumni and give back to a new generation.”
FAMU Soccer Players Visit Buenos Aires, Argentina to Open New Perspectives on Life
Experiencing different parts of the world gives you a new perspective on life.
Seeing Argentina's haves and have-nots reminded FAMU soccer players of the good fortune they enjoy in their home country.
“It was a culture shock,” Clark said.
“Being from America, it's very easy to get used to things that other people don't have. Some toilets didn't even have toilet paper. You're so used to having access to certain things that you don't appreciate certain things. It's easy to get caught up in not having that feeling.
“It changes your mindset, makes you more grateful, and makes you realize how easy life is for you compared to others.”
What Jenkins quickly noticed was the kids' eagerness to receive an education in American football, a sport he plays at the NCAA Division I level.
Although American football is not popular in Argentina, those who were taught treated the contact sport as if they were pursuing a career in American football.
“It was great to see them accept me and be willing to learn about Christ and American football,” Jenkins said. “They play for the fun and love of the game. A lot of people still email me and ask me all kinds of questions about soccer.
“That's what motivates me. The game is played to be loved and cherished. We strive to grow this sport.”
FAMU soccer player FCA wants to return to Buenos Aires, Argentina
FCA has already begun preliminary discussions about a repeat mission trip to Buenos Aires next year.
Mr Clark and Mr Jenkins are expected to attend again. And they plan to recruit more FAMU football players.
“Hopefully we can do it again. We're trying to get more members of the team to travel next year,” Jenkins said.
On a trip where FAMU's soccer players not only received an education but also learned many different lessons from different positions, Jenkins has one thing he wants to do before returning to Argentina.
Let's brush up on his Spanish.
“I had to relearn Spanish, and I think that's what I was missing, so that's the biggest thing,” Jenkins said. “But being around different people and building relationships is a great aspect of knowing the impact we have on them.”
Florida A&M Rattlers 2024 Football Schedule
- Aug. 24 vs. Norfolk State University in MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta*
- August 31 vs. South Carolina State University
- September 7th Miami
- September 21st in Troy
- September 28 vs. Alabama A&M
- October 5th Alabama State University
- October 19 Jackson State University
- October 26 vs. Southern
- November 2nd vs. Texas Southern (HOMECOMING)
- Nov. 9 at Prairie View A&M
- Nov. 16 vs. Mississippi Valley State University
- November 23 vs. Bethune Cookman (Orlando)*
Bold = SWAC
* = neutral site
Gerald Thomas III covers Florida A&M University athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Reach him by email at gdthomas@tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as his Twitter. @3peatgee.
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