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I had the privilege of spending part of last week in Nashville. The primary purpose of the trip was to do some training and coaching with our chaplain candidate who will serve Nashville SC this upcoming year. We’re not quite ready to announce who the chaplain is, but we will within the next few weeks as we complete the process.

With Nashville SC Head Coach, Gary Smith, being someone that I have worked with in the past (Colorado Rapids 2009-2011), there has been tremendous opportunity to assist in finding and developing the chaplaincy role for this new, exciting addition to U.S. Soccer. Nashville was recently awarded a Major League Soccer expansion franchise. As the team competes in the United Soccer League (Division II) for the next year or two, the club will face a lot of transition and work to make the jump to MLS.

Part of the time spent this week was spent being introduced to staff and players at a weekly training session. I shared about the support role of the chaplain and introduced the chaplain candidate. We utilized the first game for a bit of a walk though. The chaplain plays an active role during the week and during game days to support so many different facets of the organization — from players and staff, to management and ownership and their families.

It was also great to see some former players and staff who have made their way back to play with Coach Smith. Keep up with us as we look to make some more official announcements regarding the Nashville SC placement in the next few weeks.

Nashville SC Moments after Kickoff