I’m pleased to announce that Rod Underwood has joined the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. Rod brings a wealth of soccer experience, both as a professional player and as a coach across all levels of the game. And his passion to see coaches in the game feel supported in the difficulties that they face is part of the wonderful drive and passion that Rod will bring to the group.
Much of Rod’s coaching, playing, and life experience can be found at his website. But to highlight a few things — Rod has coached at MLS, USL, international, and youth levels for many years. A professional player coming out of NCAA Division 1 Furman University, Rod played primarily as a forward and midfielder for several professional teams, most notably in New Mexico before beginning his coaching career.
Married to Alyssa, Rod has four children — including twins, just like me and my wife! The Underwoods currently reside in Tacoma, WA and Rod works as a soccer coach and soccer consultant.
Rod from his time coaching Montego Bay United (Jamaica)
Rod and I came to know each other through mutual friend and Soccer Chaplains United chaplain, Ben Dudley. Ben is co-chaplain with the Portland Timbers and he and Rod came to know each other during one of Rod’s coaching stints with the team. I remember briefly meeting Rod several years ago at a Timbers game when I was in town with the Rapids and to spend time with Ben and Troy (Ready).
It was Ben Dudley’s recent comment to me, “Have you thought about Rod?” that spurred our beginning dialogue to gauge Rod’s interest in serving on the board. Last night, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Rod to the board.
Rod shared a bit of his faith background with the board,
I was raised in the church as a kid I spent as much time at church as I did playing soccer. Life changed once I was out on my own — the real walk started as I like to say it was no longer just the faith of my family but my own personal faith. This is when my faith really began to grow and fast forward to today everthing I do revolves around my walk with God.
Rod Underwood, on his faith journey and story
Rod shared some of his hope and vision in joining Soccer Chaplains United,
To have this opportunity, to come on to the board and work with Soccer Chaplains United, and connect with other coaches in soccer is really important to me because I have experienced the highs and lows of being a professional coach and the overwhelming feelings of being lonely and isolated and needing and wanting support.
I want to come alongside of them and minister and care for them and help them through their process and journey of coaching.
Rod Underwood, on joining Soccer Chaplains United’s Board of Directors
Welcome Rod, to Soccer Chaplains United!
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/2021/01/RodUnderwoodhighres-e1611864035846.jpg8031100Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-01-28 13:00:002021-01-28 13:01:59Rod Underwood Added to Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors
The consequences of sin are some times the thing we fear most — no it’s not the confrontation or the confession — sometimes when that happens we feel lifted, lighter. It’s almost a relief when the truth comes to life. However, when we have the short and long-term consequences of sin that we have to face — those things can be painful, hurtful, and we might wonder if we will ever recover
My best mate, Fraser Keay, concludes the month of January with the last parts of one of his published biblical monologues. He narrates a time in King David’s (Israel) life when he abused his kingly power and fell from God’s grace. Today, in parts 5 and 6, we see David learn about the consequence of his sin, but an amazing promise that is filled with hope.
In today’s From the Touchline episode, Fraser Keay (“Kay”) lends his voice and creative talents in the biblical monologue narrative: The Abuse of Power and the Grace of God: A Biblical Monologue Featuring David, King of Israel, Two Years after Murdering Uriah and Taking Bathsheba as His Wife. The narrative is written and recorded by Fraser and used with permission.
At the end of today’s episode, Rev Brad rejoins with some questions for reflection and a prayer. This narrative is based on the biblical text found in the book of Samuel.
To see or read more from Fraser — he has a few published books and audiobooks available on AmazonSmile. You can visit his author page here. Remember that when you purchase through AmazonSmile and designate Soccer Chaplains United as your charity of choice, .5% of your purchase price is gifted to us!
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 Kenney2021-01-27 00:00:002024-08-20 13:32:20The Abuse of Power and The Grace of God, Part 4 — Featuring Fraser Keay
I had the exciting privilege last week to visit on Zoom with several sports chaplains serving in Russia. The sports chaplaincy meeting featured a couple of American chaplains (including myself) sharing different chaplaincy outreach methods during this global pandemic and hearing from the Russian chaplains about the various ministry opportunities that they have had during the last year or so.
One of the things that I shared as being an “adaptation” during the pandemic has been sending audio prayers to different athletes, coaches, and staff. Different than a text message or even a Zoom Bible study or meeting, being able to pray over people — whether before a match or during a difficult time — has been one of the things that God has used during the last year to speak into people’s lives, even in spite of the distance because of COVID-19.
The Zoom meeting with he chaplains was impressive — our translator did an excellent job of conveying different words and American idioms as part of this chaplaincy training. Hosted and facilitated by Roger Lipe, who serves as the Southern Illinois University Saluki sports chaplain for FCA, the meeting lasted a little over an hour.
The digital, online meetings have been an increased feature for global sports chaplaincy during the past year, as well. In previous years, most sports chaplaincy training and connection happened in person and was difficult with travel costs and arrangements of schedules. The rise of technology like Zoom has offered more opportunities to connect and learn from and share with chaplains in sport from around the world (including a time of sharing with soccer chaplains in India, back in May 2020).
A curious thing for me was the makeup of the different sports that these Russian chaplains were involved in. While we didn’t have time for everyone to go around and share the ministry or work that they were involved in, most of the Russian chaplains that did share seemed to be working in the sport of basketball.
It was great to hear some of the stories (through translation) of how God opens doors for chaplains to serve and love the people in sport — even in Russia. As one of the chaplains shared, I couldn’t help but think, “that sounds like a familiar story” — God working through people who show love and demonstrate that they care for people. There is a certain irresistible attraction.
Please pray for chaplains in sport around the world — in Russia, in the United States and beyond!
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individual donors and church partners to carry out our work of chaplaincy service across all levels of soccer. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Simply click the PushPay (the big P or give tab) link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/1599px-Flag_of_Russia.svg_.png10661599Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-01-25 12:00:002021-01-25 12:33:59Из России с любовью: From Russia With Love
We all need truth-tellers in our lives — you know, a person who isn’t afraid to tell you like it is, ready to call you out when you start to go astray. And this can be hard — to be confronted with the truth. What is your response when that happens? Do you get defensive? Are you stoic and unwavering? Or, is there a sense of sadness and repentance when you realize you’ve sinned, messed up, made a mistake?
My best mate, Fraser Keay, continues to share with us during the month of January through one of his published biblical monologues. He narrates a time in King David’s (Israel) life when he abused his kingly power and fell from God’s grace. Today, in parts 3 and 4, we see David confronted with his sin and watch and hear his response.
In today’s From the Touchline episode, Fraser Keay (“Kay”) lends his voice and creative talents in the biblical monologue narrative: The Abuse of Power and the Grace of God: A Biblical Monologue Featuring David, King of Israel, Two Years after Murdering Uriah and Taking Bathsheba as His Wife. The narrative is written and recorded by Fraser and used with permission.
At the end of today’s episode, Rev Brad rejoins with some questions for reflection and a prayer. This narrative is based on the biblical text found in the book of Samuel and also on Psalm 51. Rev Brad references a couple scriptures in his reflection at the end which is hyperlinked (website) below:
To see or read more from Fraser — he has a few published books and audiobooks available on AmazonSmile. You can visit his author page here. Remember that when you purchase through AmazonSmile and designate Soccer Chaplains United as your charity of choice, .5% of your purchase price is gifted to us!
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 Kenney2021-01-20 00:00:002021-03-08 14:43:55The Abuse of Power and The Grace of God, Part 3 — Featuring Fraser Keay
Have you ever sinned, or messed up really bad, and then you tried to “cover it up”? How did that go? How long until it was discovered or you were found out? How far down the rabbit hole did you go trying to cover up one lie or sin with another and another?
My best mate, Fraser Keay, joins us during the month of January to share one of his published biblical monologues. He narrates a time in King David’s (Israel) life when he abused his kingly power and fell from God’s grace. This story is powerful. Today, in part 2, we look at David’s sin and subsequent coverup — which just unravels more and more.
In today’s From the Touchline episode, Fraser Keay (“Kay”) lends his voice and creative talents in the biblical monologue narrative: The Abuse of Power and the Grace of God: A Biblical Monologue Featuring David, King of Israel, Two Years after Murdering Uriah and Taking Bathsheba as His Wife. The narrative is written and recorded by Fraser and used with permission.
At the end of today’s episode, Rev Brad rejoins with some questions for reflection and a prayer. This narrative is based on the following biblical text found int he book of Samuel and Rev Brad references a passage of scripture in his reflection at the end which is hyperlinked (website) below:
To see or read more from Fraser — he has a few published books and audiobooks available on AmazonSmile. You can visit his author page here. Remember that when you purchase through AmazonSmile and designate Soccer Chaplains United as your charity of choice, .5% of your purchase price is gifted to us!
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 Kenney2021-01-13 00:00:002024-08-20 13:32:53The Abuse of Power and The Grace of God, Part 2 — Featuring Fraser Keay
At what point do you and I become apathetic? Whether it has to do with our football, our family and relationships, or even our faith — we all face times in our lives when we lose sight and lose hope and become lazy and indifferent toward these crucial things in our lives.
My best mate, Fraser Keay, joins us again during the month of January to share one of his published biblical monologues, this time narrating King David’s abuse of power and fall from grace. This story is powerful, as we look at the danger of apathy in our vocation or, more dangerously, towards God and towards others.
In today’s From the Touchline episode, Fraser Keay (“Kay”) lends his voice and creative talents in the biblical monologue narrative: The Abuse of Power and the Grace of God: A Biblical Monologue Featuring David, King of Israel, Two Years after Murdering Uriah and Taking Bathsheba as His Wife. The narrative is written and recorded by Fraser and used with permission.
At the end of today’s episode, Rev Brad rejoins with some questions for reflection and a prayer. This narrative is based on the following biblical text:
To see or read more from Fraser — he has a few published books and audiobooks available on AmazonSmile. You can visit his author page here. Remember that when you purchase through AmazonSmile and designate Soccer Chaplains United as your charity of choice, .5% of your purchase price is gifted to us!
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 Kenney2021-01-06 00:00:002024-08-20 13:33:17The Abuse of Power and The Grace of God, Part 1 — Featuring Fraser Keay
The end of 2020 saw turbulent year and difficult start to a new decade. As 2019 was coming to a close, we identified 20 Things to Watch for in 2020 and we take a look back now at how we did.
20 – 14. Chaplains Corps up to 20
Currently, Soccer Chaplains United has 13 chaplains that are serving in different capacities from High School all the way to professional parts of the game. Part of our original vision was for the organization to be at 20 chaplains by 2020 across all levels and we are close to accomplishing that goal. Prayer: for chaplain placements and opportunities in 2020 to go smoothly.
How we did: when soccer and the world started shutting down in March, I felt that this would be the hardest and most difficult four goals to achieve. However, by the grace of God, we added 4 chaplains to our group. One still to be announced, but has been working with the team for two years now.
All of our work to place chaplains with different colleges across the country shutdown. But we now stand at 17 chaplains, and we know that this couldn’t have happened except by God’s hand especially with the global pandemic.
Grade:B+
13. Counseling Documentary
Soccer Chaplains United’s counseling division is anticipating the work of a special feature counseling documentary that will highlight the need for counseling and chaplaincy work in and amongst soccer. We are praying and discerning the best course of action with some of the stories and information that we have compiled and are planning the creation of a high-level story. Prayer: for the funding of the project (approx. $10k) and for the subject sensitivity and treatment to be honoring and compelling.
How we did: well, 2020 provided some clarity for Soccer Chaplains United in that by the end of the year we decided that we would not be moving on with Counseling as an internal part of our organization. We began some initial dialogues with a videographer and had storyboarded some of our vision for the documentary; however, the pandemic shutdown our work to continue to envision this and it seems to be a benefit as we spent very little resources (time and money) in the initial vision stage. We may revisit this documentary, but in the future it will detail the work of chaplains and not counselors.
Grade:Incomplete (for now)
12. Counseling Network Growth
Continuing to grow the Counseling Network for Soccer Chaplains United will be a story to watch for 2020 — as the awareness of more need arises, having the capacity to serve people, even after they have moved on from a particular, club, team, or city will be vital. The goal is to create continuity of care that goes beyond one’s playing days and time in a particular city. Prayer: for the right counselors in the right cities to join Soccer Chaplains United’s efforts.
How we did: as stated above, we are shifting away from having counselors internal to Soccer Chaplains United. We will shift our focus and emphasis to build out a solid and well-rounded counseling referral network instead. Because of our process of discernment around the direction of counseling for 2021 and beyond we didn’t grow or expand the network, to my knowledge, though I believe that each of our chaplains has at least a rough working list of counselors for referral. So, low grade for this year, but hopefully we will recover and rebound for 2021.
Grade: F
11. Virtual Chaplaincy
A growing need is for pastoral and spiritual care that is borderless. Especially with the global nature of soccer/football, there are many athletes, coaches, staff, and families that move for the game but lack the necessary chaplaincy and faith support at other parts and points in the world. Developing out forms of virtual chaplaincy support will be vital for the future. Prayer: Creative problem solving and appropriate technology uses and abilities for supporting those who feel “afar.”
How we did: there was no prophetic vision of what 2020 might have brought. For myself personally, my last day at the Colorado Rapids stadium and “in-person” (save for one or two meetings) was March 12. Most all of our chaplains were forced to adapt to serving in a virtual way for their current teams and people. Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp, House Party, Marco Polo and a myriad of other programs and moments helped our chaplains connect with athletes, coaches, and staff from safe and distanced means during a very difficult season. Additionally, more emphasis was put into podcasting and other means that could minister to people in appropriate ways and means.
Grade: A
10. Chaplaincy Training
While global sports chaplaincy training is beginning to grow and emerge, there is still a lack of resources and soccer-specific training for chaplaincy needs both in the United States and beyond. Soccer Chaplains United is beginning to be involved in developing and creating resources and education for training chaplains today and for the future. Prayer: for the training and resource development to be complementary and cohesive with existing resources and still fill the needs.
How we did: 2020 provided more time to create training that could be accessed by different members of Soccer Chaplains United. Recording a few short online training sessions, writing an article (to be submitted for journal publication in 2021), and beginning to collect other materials for training were all afforded in 2020.
Grade: B+ (probably could have made one more training video if pushed)
9. Travel and Opportunities
2020 alone will have several significant opportunities to travel and teach, learn, and coach. An invitation to teach in India, conference and meetings in the UK, a possible trip to Liberia, and other opportunities are beginning to emerge for Soccer Chaplains United. Prayer: for discernment for stewarding time and resources for the right opportunities.
How we did: the global pandemic shutdown much travel. My own trip to Dordt University was a last holdout, but alas, coming in March time ran out and the world shut down. Training chaplains in India still happened (virtually) and meetings with global sports chaplaincy leaders occurred via zoom, but travel was put off for much of 2020.
Grade: N/A
8 – 6. Multiplication
In terms of fundraising, development, and chaplaincy we can only go and grow as far as the team that we currently have. One of the “in process” prayer and discernment pieces for Soccer Chaplains United as we move into the future will be the multiplication of our efforts across different time zones and regions. Likely, this will look like growing a number of people similar to me (Brad) in my role and focused time and energy. Prayer: for the who, what’s, and wherefore’s of growing the vision and mission of Soccer Chaplains United amongst other like-minded people.
How we did: to be honest, this goal kind of went to the very back burner. I had a few discussion with a some chaplains in our group to gauge interest, but for now, I think I am it for leading and growing Soccer Chaplains United. Much of my time in 2020 was recovered by not traveling or commuting for my chaplaincy work; however, if and when the world returns to some level of normalcy we will still need 3-4 others in different time zones growing the ministry.
Grade: C-
5. Counseling Internship
New for 2020, Soccer Chaplains United is piloting a counseling internship program. We will have a 6 month trial before launching out with all the details, but suffice it to say that our work with soccer and counseling is a unique part of our endeavors and work and has the potential to powerfully help the athletes that we have been called to serve. Prayer:for our first counseling intern and internship program. That the program would work well and we would be able to respond and anticipate needs and adapt to changes and flexibility to push the envelope.
How we did: by now, you know that we ended our counseling emphasis as a result of a discernment process in 2020, but we did still manage to pull off an internship (albeit it was very difficult as the pandemic closed things down). Our intern was able to meet with and provide close to 100 counseling hours. Future internships will move now to be handled by local counselors like Brooke Ewert and her private practice, but it was a good start and we received good feedback overall given the circumstances.
Grade: B
4. New Community Partners and Places
For 2020 and beyond, we are excited to partner with some new churches, organizations and projects that are going to new places in and throughout the United States and around the world. Currently, our Community Projects have touched down in 26 different states and countries around the world. We are looking forward to seeing new places touched with our current partners and with new ones as well. Prayer: for continued gifting and granting of equipment from the organizations that we serve which allows us to partner well with our church and other non-profit partners.
How we did: there were only three projects to speak of in 2020. But by far, one of them was our largest ever with over 850 lbs. of gear delivered to Musana Community Development who was a new partner. Our third “project” is perhaps our smallest – a single pair of “special boots” that we are still tracking!
Grade: B–
3. 2020 Vision for 2026 World Cup
Now is the time to begin envisioning the future. With the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the 2026 World Cup there are some exciting opportunities for Soccer Chaplains United to serve in unique, large-event chaplain and counseling capacities whereby the world is coming to our door step. The 2026 version of the World Cup will feature an expanded format for the tournament and likely see teams from countries who have never played on the world’s largest stage. Prayer: that Soccer Chaplains United discerns its particular role and ways to serve as the World Cup comes into the national scene in 2026.
How we did: there was little in the way of prep and opportunity for 2026 plans while dealing with COVID-19 and the global pandemic. Is it fair to take a low grade? Oh, well…
Grade: D
2. Growing Sustainability
As with any non-profit organization, sustainability is key. Changing trends in generosity, charitable giving, generational values and norms, volunteerism, and other cultural nuances are all part of the landscape that Soccer Chaplains United must constantly navigate and negotiate. While some in the space are compromising particular aspects of ministry, Soccer Chaplains United continues to look forward at serving in a shifting landscape and become more sustainable and resilient. Prayer: for trusting in God for the future — His provision for His work; not our own.
How we did: well, we had to adapt. Donations and donors and some of our plans for fundraising was stymied by the pandemic. We also survived the loss of a key donor and a couple of foundations that have given in the past that didn’t for 2020! We are still working on the 2020 numbers but at the last that we knew we were just going to be short by maybe a few hundred dollars. Of course, breaking even is sometimes okay, especially in a down year.
Grade: B-
1. Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
Well, we started out saying that there wasn’t a particular order or value, but it is critical for Soccer Chaplains United to keep on point for the next decade in front of us. While different opportunities and challenges will arise, key to continuing will be for the organization to be careful to not have “mission drift.” Prayer: that Soccer Chaplains United (as it is today and as it will be tomorrow) would continue to pray much, listen well, obey fully, and exercise faith in serving and loving the people that God calls us to serve and love.
How we did: Ok, so truth be told, I am a perfectionist. Feels a bit silly to “give ourselves grades” and likely I would rate us a little lower truth be told across the board, because there is always more room for improvement (even in the good things). Ha! But all said, I do think that Soccer Chaplains United and our chaplains worked really hard to serve and to also keep the “main thing the main thing”. Grades are really meaningless, but thanks for reading, thus far.
Grade: B+
We will come out with some type of vision ahead article for 2021 and beyond, soon.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ipozqwvcmle-scaled.jpg19201440Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-01-05 08:00:002021-01-04 17:01:0320 to Watch For in 2020: How Did We Do?
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