Today, I am super pleased to announce that Soccer Chaplains United is producing and publishing a devotional guide for the 2022 Fifa World Cup. The devotional, a collaboration of several Soccer Chaplains United chaplains and friends, will look to be available on Amazon beginning November 1.
The 8-week, 80 page devotional with illustrations will begin with readings that mirror the different weeks of World Cup, Advent, and Christmas — all the way until Epiphany (Jan. 7). Interweaving themes of faith, family, and football each week will feature three distinct authors and writings based on a weekly theme.
Amazon (better yet, AmazonSmile) will be the place to purchase your print-on-demand copy and will also feature ebooks with Spanish and Portuguese language editions as well!
Soccer coaches and soccer chaplains are encouraged to reach out and email us at info@soccerchaplainsunited.org for bulk rate discounts.
Hosting a World Cup watch party? Why not have a few copies to give to fans and friends?
Does your church or rec team have some World Cup fans? Why not get some copies to give away?
This is not the book! Just a stock image…but it will be cool we promise!
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 across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/vfq0y6zvex0.jpg12001320Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-10-07 17:30:002024-07-08 23:58:05The Light is Coming: Soccer Chaplains United Producing Special Edition Devotional for World Cup 2022
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football (or, what we Yanks call soccer) happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University students wrote out a set of 11 rules. They nailed these to the trees surrounding Parker’s Piece, a large grassy park in central Cambridge.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I take a look at Rule 5:
The ball is behind when it has passed the goal on either side of it.
Rule #5 sets out another boundary line for the game. Last week, we talked about the value of boundary lines in soccer and in life. This week, we look at some distinctions that occur in God’s commands for us that are similar to the differences between the touchlines and end lines of the Beautiful Game. Specifically, in the 10 Commandments, we see that there are commands that have to do with our relationship specifically with God and commands that have to do specifically with our relationship with others.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (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/2022/09/IMG_3290-scaled.jpg19201440Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-10-05 00:00:002024-08-20 12:01:09Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #5
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football (or, what we Yanks call soccer) happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University students wrote out a set of 11 rules. They nailed these to the trees surrounding Parker’s Piece, a large grassy park in central Cambridge.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I take a look at Rule 4, which states:
The ball is out when it has passed the line of the flag-posts on either side of the ground, in which case it shall be thrown in straight.
Rule #4 is is where we begin to mark out the boundaries for the game. Boundary lines are good — not only in the Beautiful Game, but in life. Sometimes we struggle when constraints are placed on us, we don’t like rules, but this Cambridge Rule of 1848 sets out solid lines which help the game. God has given us some solid rules for life — for our preservation and protection
From the Touchline is a short-feature (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/2022/09/IMG_3290-scaled.jpg19201440Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-09-28 00:00:002024-08-20 12:01:34Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #4
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football (or, what we Yanks call soccer) happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University students wrote out a set of 11 rules. They nailed these to the trees surrounding Parker’s Piece, what is today a large grassy park in the heart of central Cambridge.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I take a look at Rule 3, which states:
After a goal, the losing side shall kick off; the sides changing goals, unless a previous arrangement be made to the contrary.
At the heart of rule #3 is a sense of fairness to the game. Even when two teams may not be equal (in skill, strength, or some other tangible way), there is a degree in which the rule is designed to give a losing team a chance. Today, I reflect on this Cambridge Rule of 1848 and look at some commands of God in scripture which help give advantage to those who are disadvantaged.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (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/2022/09/IMG_3290-scaled.jpg19201440Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-09-21 00:00:002024-08-20 12:02:02Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #3
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football (or, what we Yanks call soccer) happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University students wrote out a set of 11 rules. They nailed these to the trees surrounding Parker’s Piece, what is today a large grassy park in the heart of central Cambridge.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I take a look at Rule 2, which states:
At the commencement of the play, the ball shall be kicked off from the middle of the ground:
after every goal there shall be a kick-off in the same way.
The start and restarts of the game take place in a particular and appointed place. Could the same be true of life? Whether you go through an injury or after a season, are there reset points where we can “begin again?” Today, I reflect on this Cambridge Rule of 1848 and a reference points where Jesus would get to a “middle ground” to pray, refocus, regroup, and rest.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (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/2022/09/IMG_3290-scaled.jpg19201440Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-09-14 00:00:002024-08-20 12:02:26Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #2
From east coast to west coast, Michael Kell has seen and been in all parts of the US, but he now calls Southern California home. The father of two has recently seen his oldest off to college at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA — his old alma mater. And his son, (Ethan) currently plays with Los Angeles Football Club’s Academy program, as a goalkeeper. From the countless hours spent on the sidelines, Michael was curiously stirred by the tremendous amount of need that he would come across as he would patiently sit and watch games with other parents. The felt needs prompted him to start exploring what chaplaincy at the academy level might look like. Enter in Soccer Chaplains United.
I was surprised to find Soccer Chaplains United a few years ago and to discover that there was work being done at the academy level. I thought this was a good thing — and as time has gone by, I started to think to myself, ‘Maybe I should go through this process…be ready…just in case the club has a need.’
Michael Kell, on his first impressions of Soccer Chaplains United and thought process on joining
A couple of years ago, Michael and I met at a Rapids First Team match while LAFC Academy was in to play a local tournament. We had spent a few hours on the phone already. I had been sharing the vision and work of Soccer Chaplains United — not to just be about the elite athletes in the First Team dressing room, but to have capacity to serve the whole club — from the front office, to the academy, to the pros. It’s been really exciting to consider someone like Michael joining the team to serve as chaplain because there are many opportunities to develop out in this space.
Michael’s son, Ethan, makes a save playing for LAFC against California Rush in a scrimmage late last month.
Michael brings his unique experience of being an academy parent for one of the elite teams in MLS. The challenges faced by the athletes, parents, and families with the potentiality of playing professional soccer are tremendous and Michael is poised to understand and serve those from his own experience.
At this time, Michael will serve as a regional chaplain for Soccer Chaplains United for the Southern California area. His relationships in and amongst the academy community and with local area teams will be a broader area of focus until Soccer Chaplains United can better understand the needs for a specific club or academy program and how best to situation Michael for service. Regardless, though, Michael has a heart to serve and compassionately come alongside of parents and athletes who are facing the possibilities of their child being a pro at an early age.
As clubs, and our nation, produce the next generation of superstars, there are families, players, academy coaches and staff along the way who have very real needs. My prayer is that Soccer Chaplains United can be a venue through which to serve and meet the spiritual needs of this unique community.
Michael Kell, on his hopes for his work with Soccer Chaplains United
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 across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/M-Kell-Profile-Pic-2021-scaled-e1661545462291.jpg638945Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-09-12 00:00:002024-07-08 23:58:15Kell New Appointment to Soccer Chaplains United
I recently had occasion to visit Cambridge, England and while I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football (or, what we Yanks call soccer) happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University students wrote out a set of 11 rules. They nailed these to the trees surrounding Parker’s Piece, what is today a large grassy park in the heart of central Cambridge.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I take a look at Rule 1, which states:
This club shall be called the University Foot Ball Club.
Why take up a whole rule to name the club? What is in a name? I’ve talked on other episodes and in other places about the power to name something, but today, I reflect on this Cambridge Rule of 1848 and a key moment in scripture when God and man set out to the task of naming things.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (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/2022/09/IMG_3290-scaled.jpg19201440Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-09-07 00:00:002024-08-20 12:03:04Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #1
My interview with Chattanooga FC Head Coach Rod Underwood comes to a close today in part 4 of 4. Today, we get to hear Rod sharing about his personal life mission statement and how that impacts the decisions he makes — as husband, father, coach, and man. Rod shares about how his life was impacted after coaching with the Cleveland City Stars and how that led him to craft and develop a mission statement that has helped guide him as coach ever since.
In addition, today, Rod plays “Crosses with Rev” on the From the Touchline podcast, as we find a fun way to wrap up the interview series.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (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 Kenney2022-08-31 00:00:002024-07-08 23:58:19Personal Life Mission with special guest Rod Underwood — Part 4
Billy Cerveny recently announced this will be his final season serving as the Chaplain for Nashville SC. Billy has served NSC since the fall of 2017, prior to their inaugural season, so this will be a big change for the club and for him. During this time he has cared for players, coaches, staff, families. He has lead Bible studies and chapels, prayed with players, officiated wedding, visited hospitals, welcomed new players and helped others say goodbye. We are thankful for his time with the team and know the Lord is in the midst of this transition.
It’s hard to overstate the blessing it has been to be a part of Nashville SC. The players, coaches, and staff are people I love deeply. I’m excited to finish out this season and to see what the Lord does next with the Chaplain role at NSC.
Billy, on his time as chaplain with Nashville SC
Billy and I have been working closely together in recent months meeting with potential candidates to fill this chaplaincy role. We believe God has brought us the right person and we are currently working through the process of onboarding, but will announce the new chaplain for the 2023-24 season, soon. In the meantime, Billy will focus on finishing strong this season as he prepares the way for the next chaplain.
Transition is never easy, but it is a reality of the Christian journey; especially if you are a chaplain. We are stewards of our roles and we must be ready to pass the baton of ministry, care, and leadership to others when the Lord leads us forward. This is where we are now and we are excited for what’s ahead.
As a chaplain, you see a lot of people come and go in professional sports. Now it’s my turn and it’s sad; but I’m thankful for the tears. It shows the time spent with Nashville SC has been meaningful and worthwhile.
Billy, on the emotion of leaving the team
Billy is moving to Jacksonville, Florida to be closer to his parents to help offer care and support. He will continue his work with Redbird, the non-profit pastoral outreach and counseling ministry he founded in 2018. Billy will also continue working with Soccer Chaplains United and I am looking forward to utilizing him in a development role as we look to make more chaplaincy placements throughout the US in the years to come.
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 across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_8391-scaled.jpg14401920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-08-30 00:00:002024-07-08 23:58:21Cerveny to see out 2022 and handoff chaplaincy
As Head Coach of Chattanooga FC (NISA), Rod Underwood, has had quite a journey in coming to lead the team this past year. Last week’s podcast we learned about some of the ups and downs of being in football, including being out of the professional coaching side of the game from few years and really searching for that next opportunity.
Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, in part three of our four part series, Rod shares about the culmination of his playing and coaching and how that comes to bear on the locker room that he currently leads with CFC. More than just formation and tactics, Rod is concerned with building and shaping culture — and he shares this experience with listeners today on the pod.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (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 Kenney2022-08-24 00:00:002024-08-20 12:03:25Personal Life Mission with special guest Rod Underwood — Part 3
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