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Edwin Santiago: “Our slogan is more than a game. It’s bigger than the court.”


📝Description:
A basketball court in the Bronx became holy ground when Edwin Santiago decided to say yes.

In this powerful episode, Steve Ramona and Chris Rushing sit down with Edwin Santiago, founder of New York City Christian Athletic Leagues, also known as NYCAL. What began in 2009 with no logo, no money, three footballs, a few cones, and a handful of kids has grown into a life changing ministry that has introduced more than 1,500 young people to the gospel through sports, mentorship, and love.

Edwin shares how basketball became more than a game. It became a bridge to trust. A way to reach kids who may never walk into a church, but will show up at a park, lace up their sneakers, and listen when someone treats them like they matter. In neighborhoods marked by violence, fatherlessness, fear, and loss, Edwin and his team bring something many of these young people are starving for: hope, belonging, and steady men of faith who keep showing up.

You will hear the story of Jay, a young man who asked Edwin for a Bible during a tournament, then returned later to say he had been baptized. You will hear Edwin talk about leaving a 25 year education career at 48 because God called him into full time ministry. You will hear the courage of a man who is not leaning on certainty, but on obedience.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered whether one yes to God can change a city, a family, or a child’s future. Edwin’s story reminds us that purpose does not always arrive with comfort. Sometimes it begins on a cracked court, with a basketball in hand, a prayer in your heart, and a child waiting to be reminded that his life still matters.

P.S. Listen to this episode with someone who believes in faith, youth, sports, or second chances, then consider making an assist for the next child who needs a safe place to belong.



🎯 What You’ll Learn:

✅ Start Where You Are


✅ Sports as a Bridge


✅Start Where You Are


⏱️Timestamps:
0:00 Intro & Mission
3:07 NYCAL Origins
8:30 Bridging Sports & Gospel
13:40 Impact Stories
17:13 Edwin's Faith Journey
24:41 Call to Action


🤝Connect with Edwin Santiago:

💥Web: www.nyccal.org

💥IG: @nyccalsports

💥LinkedIn: NYC Christian Athletic League

🤝Connect with Chris Michael Rushing:

💥LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-michael-rushing/

💥IG: https://www.instagram.com/rushfitnessnyc/

💥TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.michael.rushing

💥YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrismichaelrushing5434



🤝Connect with Steve Ramona:

💥Web: https://steveramona.com/

💥LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveramona/

💥IG: https://www.instagram.com/bizopportunitynow/

💥Podcast: https://www.servinginbusinesspodcast.com/




🔖Tags:

#Faith #Hope #Community