How It All Began
It started with a simple but powerful question:
What if opportunity didn’t depend on where you lived?
Amber Johns had spent years investing in athletes—first as a Division I soccer player at Liberty University, and then as a high school coach pouring into the next generation. Alongside her, her husband, Gregg Johns—a former Division I player from Canisius College and a physical education teacher—shared the same heartbeat: to develop athletes not just in skill, but in character and purpose.
Together, they gave their lives to the game—and more importantly, to the athletes.
Through their work with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, they saw both the potential and the problem.
In rural communities across New York, the talent was undeniable.
Small schools like Jefferson, Margaretville, Stamford, South Kortright, Middleburgh, and Schoharie were quietly producing athletes who would go on to compete at the collegiate level—Division I, II, and III—at programs like Siena, Maryland, Iona, Vermont, Canisius, and more.
The ability was there.
The drive was there.
But the opportunity? That was missing.
Many of these athletes had dreams of reaching the next level—but lacked the transportation, exposure, or financial means to get there. Club teams were too far. Costs were too high. Doors stayed closed—not because of talent, but because of access.
And that’s when the question became a calling:
“How can we create amazing opportunity right in our backyard?”
Out of that question, the vision was born.
Not to send athletes away—but to bring high-level training, mentorship, and opportunity directly to them. Right where they live. Right where they play.
What started as a burden became a movement—one rooted in faith, fueled by purpose, and built to ensure that no athlete’s future is limited by their zip code.
Starting 6 years ago we have now grown from this husband and wife team to have multiple sports hosted over the years: Soccer, Basketball, Track, and Softball/Baseball while bringing in all kinds of expert coaches now.
The Rural Kid Initiative
Bringing athletic opportunities to the rural areas
Misconception:
Rural communities don't have talent, money or reach.
Truth
The biggest hurdle to our rural kids getting opportunities is travel.
High level training is at least (40 minutes away)
We are looking to bring these events to them...and we did.
Big events in small town... has it's advantages :)
Sponsors for an entire year of events!
Gold - $5,000
2x4 logo Banner at camps, name on website, logo on camper bag, shout out at hoop dreams 2024, RKI thank you swag
Silver - $2500 - 2x2 logo sign on camp site, name on website, , shout out at hoop dreams 2024,
Bronze - $1000 1x3 sign at camp, name on website
Of course, donations at ANY amount are insanely appreciated. Just click on the button above to make a contribution. Thank you!!!
Upstate Basketball Clinic
In the heart of one small community we brought coaches from Boston College, West VA University and Regent University to run clinics. Right at the local high school in Middleburgh NY.
Soccer, Basketball, Track, and baseball Clinics featuring over 40 years of coaching in upstate NY.
Each coach is trained to teach the FCA Pillars of sports
The Legacy is an adaptive sports initiative across NY! The RKI has partnered with FCA to bring opportunity to local athletes with disabilities! Check out the video below for our most recent endeavor HOOP DREAMS!!
