In the Kenney household, the fifth week of the month is something special — because mom and dad are on for doing the typical household chores. Yes, each of my four girls, absolutely love when a month has a 5th week — they are jubilant and overjoyed with being able to get a “break” from loading dishes and setting table and such.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I reflect on where else in life and in football we might need a “5th week” — a bit of rest from the work that we typically have. I briefly touch on themes of sabbath and sabbatical, something that I have podcasted about before (see Jan 1, 2020 podcast) but also talk a bit more about the concept of the 50th Year of Jubilee found in Leviticus 25:8-55 and it’s place in the life and history of the nation of Israel.
Scripture reference from today’s episode and also the book mentioned with the adapted prayer:
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Chaplains with Soccer Chaplains United recently were offered the chance to receive mental health awareness training through an opportunity created in collaboration with the Global Sports Chaplaincy Association (GSCA) and Sports Chaplaincy — UK (SCUK). SCUK National Director of Scotland, Mark Fleming, led the two-hour zoom training session which helped identified particular mental health issues that exist within professional sport and how chaplains might maintain a good level of mental health themselves and for those they serve.
Mark’s work in sports chaplaincy began with serving as Chaplain to Partick Thistle FC in 1998 and after nine years began gradually to source, train and appoint chaplains at other Scottish football clubs. Today, over 110 Scottish football clubs have chaplains and Mark has now begun to develop chaplaincy in other sports such as rugby, shinty and in gyms. Mark gained an MA in Sports Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care in 2016 and is also senior director and trainer with Positive Mental Health Scotland.
For chaplains, one of the key issues and points of ministry includes having a keen awareness of mental health issues that confront many within the context of sport, especially soccer. There is stigma attached into mental health issues and many in soccer don’t even realize that they are suffering or struggling with particular issues of mental health. In fact, there is a high degree of misnomer around the differences between mental health and mental illness, a point Mark highlighted,
We often get mixed up between mental health and mental illness. We all have mental health, but sometimes our mental health borders on having a mental illness, and that’s where we need help.
Mark Fleming, SCUK Scotland National Director
As well as identifying and speaking to the differences with mental health and mental illness, the presentation covered steps toward positive mental health. Each step and activity designed to reinforce and help a person build up a strong mentality — especially important in the difficult and turbulent times facing sports people and the world.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individual donors and church partners to help fund and resource our chaplain’s continuing education needs which enable us to continue to develop a high level of chaplaincy service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue to subsidize training and education of our chaplains.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/6x2ikgi6spu-scaled.jpg12801920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-09-25 15:00:412020-09-25 14:48:33Chaplains Undergo Mental Health Awareness Training
The global pandemic has impacted industries in unique and critical ways and even the work of counseling and mental health has faced new challenges. For Brooke Ewert and the counseling provided for Soccer Chaplains United and those in sport, the different aspects of social distancing, limited contact, and travel and play/performance restrictions have all created a new layer of mental health issues and challenges amongst athletes, coaches, and those in the sports industry across many different levels.
For example, a chaplain recently reached out to Brooke and asked if she would be willing to meet with a professional athlete. The athlete needed support with life issues as well as setting goals for the future. Since the athlete is not in Colorado, the approach cannot be one typical for mental health support. Essentially, this means that there can be no formal diagnosis. State laws and ethics prevent undertaking or keeping counseling relationships in other states without additional licensure; however, a counselor can work through life circumstances in less formal ways (ie, life coaching) and assist athletes and coaches as they process through the life circumstances that are most challenging to them.
Brooke, who serves as the volunteer Director of Counseling for Soccer Chaplains United, has had to adapt in her own practice and service amongst those in sport.
It’s a new approach for me and one that I am enjoying because it shifts the focus to resources (internally/externally) for the athletes and walking alongside of the athletes in a new way.
Brooke Ewert, on adding and adapting life coaching to her counseling service and practice
Life coaching will allow a counselor, like Brooke, to reach more athletes than could bet helped previously. Because sports counseling is such a new field, there are not a lot of places to make referrals to counselors throughout the country. Brooke (and other sports counselors) have discovered that the life coaching and consultancy adaptation is an effective tool for getting athletes the help that they need. Additionally, such additions will help open the door for more athletes to seek help and to continue breaking the stigma down of asking for help.
“The transiency of athletes makes mental health counseling difficult because most of the athletes I see leave the state I practice in and go to another state for training. Life coaching allows me to be able to reach more athletes when they cannot find adequate support in the state where they are competing.”
Brooke, on the ever-moving population of athlete and coach in sport
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ghtvhowmqvo-scaled.jpg12801920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-09-24 12:00:472020-09-30 09:39:54Counseling Adapts to COVID with Life Coaching Option
Special guest and friend, Steve Guppy, who currently serves as the Nashville SC Assistant Coach and is a former winger for English Premier club Leicester City, joins me for part two of a recorded interview. I take a look at a few verses found in Isaiah 40 and ask Steve some further questions about what it’s like for a footballer on the wings to go the distance in a match. Steve and I also have a bit of fun with a new game called, Crosses with Rev where we serve some questions into each other and try to stump the other and even get a bit of a laugh.
Today’s From the Touchline episode is part two of a recorded interview that was held on Tuesday, 15 September. You can find the scripture passage referenced here by clicking the link below:
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-09-23 00:00:002024-08-20 13:42:13On The Wings with Steve Guppy (part 2)
Special guest and former England National Team and Leicester City, winger, Steve Guppy joins me today to share more about how he got into the game of football (soccer) and what it really takes to work, play hard and have success on the wings. Steve shares about his own journey including not touching a ball for two years and some of the special memories that have happened for him along the way, including being mentioned in the same sentence as David Beckham.
Today’s From the Touchline episode is part one of a recorded interview and Steve shares stories and memories from his playing days and beyond. Make sure that you tune in next week to hear part two of the interview.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-09-16 00:00:002024-08-20 13:42:39On The Wings with Steve Guppy (part 1)
Everyone in the game of football has likely been on the cusp at some point — whether as a substitute or a trialist, whether as an assistant coach or staffer or working somewhere within in the the football industry, it’s likely that you have been in that position where greatness, achievement or success was just within reach and, yet, you get passed over for someone else or because of circumstances that are out of your control or no fault of your own.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, we look at the story of Joe (really Joseph) and Matthias from Acts, chapter 1, and how Joe got passed over when it came to first team selection to join the original 11 apostles — the close followers of Jesus. From what little more we know about Joe’s life, I think we can take encouragement for those on the cusp, on the bubble moments of life.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-09-09 00:00:332024-08-20 13:43:04On The Cusp
For Thomas and Jamie Fahn, the move from Denver, Colorado, USA to Liberia in August of 2018 to follow the call of God to serve in various areas was a massive move for them and their family. While in Liberia, they have been able to minister to at-risk youth in Monrovia through their soccer academy program. Unfortunately, earlier this year, with COVID-19 they had to return to the United States on an emergency evacuation flight provided by the US Embassy. The Fahns have been back in the US since April 9th, 2020 and by the grace of God — through their church, were able to find some temporary, affordable housing in Fayetteville, Northwest Arkansas. The plan for the Fahns is to make Arkansas a base of operations for now, but to return and make frequent visits to Liberia until things are conducive to return and continue the work.
Boys have fun racing during the soccer training sessions of Sadaya International Academy.
Today, Liberia is considered the poorest country in the world. The country is still recovering from the 15 years of civil unrest and the 2014 outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus. The economic hardship in Liberia can be seen from every street corner and sadly, the youth are the most affected. Many talented Liberian youths are experiencing severe economic hardship, which has reduced them to the level of desperation. Some of them have given up hopes and have buried their talents and indulge in activities such as drug abuse, prostitution, crime and violence. The hopelessness and idleness, especially among the youth breeds crime and other unhealthy behaviors that is leading to the destruction of individuals and their communities.
Thomas (left) gets ready to play some soccer games and drills with the children in Liberia.
During the Fahns short time working with the youth, they realized that most of them dream to be successful soccer players; unfortunately, their desires have not been matched with opportunities to nurture their skills and talents. The future of Liberia lies within in the youthful population, and so, the Fahns have been investing heavily in ministry amongst the youth population, and much of this through Sadya International Academy part of the ministry of Sadaya International (link to Facebook page).
Previously donated water coolers from Soccer Chaplains United are seen supplying the Sadaya International Men’s team. Gear and equipment make the opportunity of being on the team feel professional and meaningful and help keep Liberia’s youth from gangs and drugs.
The request for Sadaya comes at a difficult time with COVID-19 impacting donations and requests around football (soccer). Sadaya’s programs have a total of 110 youth and adult players, divided into teams in age groups U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17 and the men’s team. Their needs in this request include:
20 size 4 balls
30 size 5 soccer balls
50 adult soccer cleats (sizes 7 – 10.5)
32 youth soccer cleats (sizes 5 – 7)
With a return trip slated for December, the Fahns hope to ship items out in advance with a target date of November.
Through Sadaya International Academy, Thomas and Jamie have come to realize that if Liberian youth are to be given a chance, they can be successful in life through sports and education. The goal of the soccer program is to provide them with opportunities to develop not only as soccer players, but also as contributing members of society.
Our soccer program has been very successful in providing hope for some of these young people, and the equipment Soccer Chaplains United has provided us in the past has helped us tremendously in achieving our goals. Thank you very much for your help!
Thomas Fahn, on past partnership with Soccer Chaplains United
Thomas takes a rest break with a couple boys who are sporting local, Colorado club and professional donated gear!
When you financially support Soccer Chaplains United a portion of your gift automatically goes to help our community projects and requests. You can give specifically to help cover our costs by making a gift through PushPay — simply select Community Project from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals projects and organizations, and to cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/48380046_325957058250426_1039150011369127936_n.jpg460960Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-09-03 08:00:002020-08-31 11:19:06Soccer for Sadaya (Liberia)
Have you ever chased after a floating bubble, only to have it disappear on you? Have you opened up your mouth to catch a falling snowflake, only to wonder if you ever really caught it because it just didn’t seem to last? Or, have you ever on a chilly evening got a glimpse of your “breath” in a glint of light only to see it quickly fade away? Then you have experienced hebel {heh’vel}.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at the interesting Hebrew word hebel, used 38 different times in the wisdom literature of the book of Ecclesiastes. And I encourage us to consider the wisdom of Solomon who came to the final conclusion that life is hebel when it is lived without God.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Unfortunately, Matt Kaufman, who joined the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors earlier this year in May, has announced that he must step down from the board. As principal of Milliman Financial Risk Management LLC, certain stipulations prevent the holding of a position or participation on a board of directors.
Matt expressed his feelings of having to step down,
I really wish that I could have been a part of the Board of Directors for Soccer Chaplains United, but I look forward to being involved in other ways and encouraging you and the others in the growth of the organization as a supporter and networker.
Matt Kaufman
We are sad to see Matt leave the Board of Directors, but it’s with mutual understanding and we look forward to what else God may have in store.
Matt’s departure creates a vacancy that we will look to fill in the coming months.
If you would like to learn more about Soccer Chaplains United and opportunities to serve on our Board of Directors, please send an email to info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.
Soccer Chaplains United is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies on the generous support of individual donors and church partners to carry out its work of chaplaincy and counseling in soccer.
You can give a safe, secure, electronic, tax-deductible gift via PushPay by clicking the button below or by texting soccerchaplains to 77977. You can also mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/kaufman-matt.jpg455400Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-09-01 08:00:442020-09-01 22:10:59Kaufman Has to Step Down
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