OM Ireland and FCA Golf partnered together for the first time to host the Anders Forsbrand FCA Golf camp in Glasson Golf Club, Ireland from April 6-9, 2009.

Over 40 youngsters came to four days of great golf teaching from former tour professionals and current golf teachers from the USA. They heard about the coaches' faith in Jesus through sharing over lunch and in small groups. Four values were discussed each day: integrity, excellence, teamwork and service - values that can help you play golf well and also live life for God.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Golf section has been reaching out with a message of the love of God through golf camps for 20 years. These camps have always taken place in the USA. "I met Martin Bateman of OM SportsLink and Mike Mullins of OM Ireland in the summer of 2007," said Jim Esary, Executive director of FCA Golf. "Taking what we do within the USA to an international audience seemed clear to me. We didn't have any way to do this, but OM provided an ideal vehicle for us."

"I saw the potential of bringing Irish youngsters to a camp where they could learn a lot about golf and also hear about good news in Jesus," continued Martin Bateman of OM SportsLink. "We needed the key components - an OM team ready to work hard on all the local arrangements from finding a couple of thousand balls, to registering each camper on that first day, and a group of coaches who firstly loved Jesus with all their heart, and also could teach the game of golf."

Fun was a key theme of the week, and was reflected at the Thursday-night banquet when campers could share their thoughts about all that went on whilst enjoying a great meal with family members. Every camper stated that they would return for another FCA Golf Camp. The golf course owners, Tom and Breda Reid, gave a heartfelt endorsement of the camp, hoping for future tour golfers to emerge from endeavours like this. The course itself was ideal for the camp, with three academy holes used for teaching in the morning and tee times available to the youngsters each afternoon so that they could play alongside the visiting pros.

Each camper received an FCA sports Bible, and various prizes were provided by local sponsors. A number of parents commented on how excited their children had been during the week - wanting to chat about the events of the day until late into the evening! In their feedback some of those attending commented on how they were considering reading the Bible and being more involved in a local church due to the spiritual impact of the week.

Anders Forsbrand expressed his desire to return and be involved in similar camps. During the week he also conducted golf clinics at local courses and a driving range but he was happy to be kept busy for a great cause!

"Having moved to this area recently, we in OM Ireland have been so encouraged to have a positive impact in this way in the local community," added Mike Mullins, OM Ireland's field leader. "We are looking forward to further camps tying into our long-term goals for Ireland over the next few years."