ALERT
Practice for U10 & Tball are cancelled today, 4/29/25, due to unplayable field conditions.
First Friends Sports was established in 1958 when First Friends Church decided to build a gymnasium onto the original First Friends property, then located off 31st Street. Construction of the gymnasium initiated a sports and recreation ministry that was to provide a unique outreach to the congregation and immediate community. In 1995, First Friends Church purchased 40 acres of land in North Canton with a vision to grow for the future. Over the next 10 years, First Friends built a new building onsite complete with a double gym that doubled as a sanctuary. Since then, we have also added 2 softball fields, a soccer complex and soon to be sand volleyball courts.
It started with a simple idea, but the mission has remained the same.
Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our community
through sports, recreation, and fitness.
Vision: First Friends Sports seeks to transform Stark
County through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ,
using sports, recreation, and fitness to inspire faith, build
community, and change lives.
Mission: Create an enriching community where sports, recreation, and fitness serve as powerful tools to share the gospel, build meaningful relationships, and develop committed disciples.
Core Values:
Gospel Centricity—Christ-centered vs Me-centered, a lifestyle not an activity.
Alignment in Competition—Balanced teams and leagues; promoting player
growth.
Hospitable—Reflecting Christ’s love and care to our community and all that enters
our lives.
Excellence—Pursuit of being outstanding or extremely good in a way that honors
God and serves others.
Organization—The details; They all matter from the greatest to the least.
Punctuality—Showing honor and respect for each individual and the schedules they
maintain.
"Faith in Motion”
Our Staff
Ryan Barnett–Director of Sports Ministry Ryan grew up in
Marengo, Ohio and played football, basketball, golf, and ran track.
He went on to Malone University, where he continued his football
career and got an Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications. Ryan
felt a call to Sports Ministry in 2019, and has been on staff since.
Ryan’s gifting in administration and heart for the community inspire
him to work hard building relationships and a great athletic experience
for all. In his free time, Ryan likes to play disc golf, fish,
and hang out with his wife and three kids.
Landon Thorn– Assistant Director of Sports
Ministry Landon grew up here in Canton, OH, where he ran Cross Country
and Track for GlenOak and eventually Walsh University, where he was a
double major in Communications and Professional Writing. Landon felt a call
to Sports Ministry during college when he was an intern and has been on
staff since. Landon grew up playing sports and helping run camps here at
First Friends. His gifting for leadership and heart for the Gospel allow him to
create meaningful connections and a healthy playing experience for
everyone who walks in our doors. In his free time, he likes to play
basketball, video games, and watch his Michigan State Spartans.
Our Other Staff:
Tim Zornes
Risa Blyer
Cathy Baker
