Today’s Community Project Update features a Thank You from Musana Community (Kampala, Uganda). You might remember that Musana had made request which we filled in August of 2020. Months of delays in shipping items to the African nation which was shut-down effectively because of COVID-19, the gear arrived in 2021; however, many schools and government agencies were still closed down due to the pandemic and Musana wasn’t able to distribute and start using the gear until last year (2022).
We’re excited to share a video thank you update (also viewable here on our YouTube channel and on our front web page). Originally, Soccer Chaplains United sent Musana the nearly 900 lbs of soccer gear in converted shipping containers which were built out to function as school and medical rooms to the community center in rural Uganda (outside of Kampala).
Team MusanaPre-match photo with the opponentCelebrating a goal!
Remember, when you 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 from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2022-03-0F5A4925-scaled.jpg12811920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-03-16 00:00:002024-07-08 23:50:03Update: Musana Community Thank You
Sometimes (often times) we simply cannot pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. The simple truth is that we need others. We need a “stretcher crew” to carry us when we cannot go on — spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Who is on your stretcher crew?
Today, in this Lesson from Lasso which also airs on the same day that the Ted Lasso show is premiering its 3rd season, I talk about the need for having others believe in us. We watch as AFC Richmond owner Rebecca changes her heart and mind when the warm and welcoming Sam invites her to participate in the team’s ritual cleansing ceremony to right the wrongs of the past. Sam sees and believes a truth about Rebecca that she has come to forget, herself. Sometimes we need others to see and believe what we no longer can.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show is about to being its third season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
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/2021/04/LFL-art.png1040778Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-03-15 00:00:002024-08-20 11:49:42Lessons from Lasso — Sometimes We Need Others to Believe In Us
The United Soccer League (USL), notably has a number of different teams all throughout the soccer landscape of professional soccer. From representing the second division all the way into the 4th tier (USL 2) and is ever expanding to bring pro soccer to many smaller cities and communities.
With the USL-Championship set to start the league season this weekend we have a number of our Soccer Chaplains United chaplains on the podcast today to give a quick look back at last year and preview of the year to come.
Special to this episode of From the Touchline, today, we have our first ever head to head competition of Crosses with Revthe little game I like to play with podcast guests. So tune in and listen as we talk about USL soccer today on the podcast.
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 Kenney2023-03-08 00:00:002024-08-20 11:50:192023 USL Preview with special guests Greg Aydt, Kurt Trempert, Tate Madizma, and Josh Bailey
In January, fourteen members from Wilderness Church flew down to Primo Tapia, Mexico to serve at the La Hermosa Orphanage. The church team requested soccer gear from Soccer Chaplains United’s Community Project request program. Below is a brief update from Pastor Jake Chambers on the trip and what the team was able to accomplish as well as plans to head back in May.
The trip was so great. We had such a fun time at the ranch and we were able to do some training for the kids and some for the house moms, too, which was so fun. The kids loved the jerseys as well, so thanks so much for getting those.
A lot of love in that home and so was fun to just share in all the love that the Lord is spreading there!
We were also able to build them a chicken coop and secure the fencing around their soccer field which was great. We are going to try and go back there again in May.
Jake Chambers on the trip to La Hermosa Orphanage
Remember, when you 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 from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/20230108_155039-scaled.jpg8871920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-03-02 00:00:002024-07-08 23:50:11Update from Wilderness Church: Mexico
Sacrifice is a major theme in team sport — the needs and desires of the individual athlete are always subject to the needs and strivings of the team. The best teams see individuals lay aside and “sacrifice” for the greater, common good. In this Lesson from Lasso, we watch as Coach Lasso tells the team his plan to rid the club of its ghosts. They must right the wrongs of the past by giving up something to honor the ultimate sacrifice that the young men did for going to war.
We talk this podcast about the sacrifice that God made on our behalf and how we can appropriately respond.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show is about to being its third season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach ‘Ted Lasso.’ Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a coach) brings change to the difficult football (soccer) team that he has traveled overseas to coach.
In the ‘Lessons from Lasso’ series, I (Rev Brad) look at some of the different life learning points brought up in the show from a chaplain’s point of view.
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/2021/04/LFL-art.png1040778Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-03-01 00:00:002024-08-20 11:50:44Lessons from Lasso — Sacrifice to Honor Their Sacrifice
Recently, Ethan Kell, son of Soccer Chaplains United chaplain Michael Kell reached out and requested soccer gear for his school’s spring break missions trips happening right here in the US in the city of Cleveland (as well as a few other locations). Together with Envision Cleveland, Woodcrest Christian High School, is sending out 114 students for spring time missions work. Ethan and a team of 18 students and 4 adult leaders will travel Ohio to work with inner city kids in downtown Cleveland, including many Somali refugees. Ethan hopes to use soccer as a way to build relationships and the requested gear will hopefully open many of those doors.
Ethan Kell plays for LAFC Academy and has asked for gear from Soccer Chaplains United for his upcoming mission trip to Cleveland
Envision Cleveland
Envision Cleveland has a number of different outreaches and programs aimed at building up the community in different parts of the city. Their mission and aim is to build up and strengthen neighbors and communities and the recent influx of refugees into the US and into Cleveland have created an important place to serve.
Ethan shared more of his hopes and what he is “keeping” in mind as he takes on this trip:
Getting outside of my normal life and serving others in need will let me get a picture of God’s heart for others and what he is doing in other areas. I am excited to take this trip now as this may be the only chance I have while in high school. Many know that I am playing soccer with the MLS Academy of Los Angeles Football Club. The commitment is year round and much is expected. I am taking a step of faith and participating in this trip. This trip will accomplish several things: First, we will support the local Christian workers serving in Cleveland. Second, we will meet practical needs — working with Somali refugees, running children’s ministry and serving in downtown. Third, we will hopefully be able to share with people how much Jesus loves them and they can know Him. Finally, we will be changed and impacted to serve here (in LA) when we return. I am excited about the experience that lies ahead. Please pray for God to provide for every need and that he would begin preparing my heart to serve him.
Ethan Kell, on his aspirations for this trip
Students from Woodcrest Christian School will be traveling to several places in the US and also to the country of Belize. You can see more about what different students and teams will be doing here.
Project Request:
Soccer Balls
Soccer Jerseys/Shorts/Socks
Working with children 5-18 years of age and 50-100 people
Shipping items (either to LA or Cleveland)
Remember, when you 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 from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/WoodcrestSticker.png779774Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-02-23 00:00:002024-07-19 15:06:42Kell Keeping Woodcrest and Envision Cleveland
Major League Soccer, is set to start the league season this weekend and what a year it’s likely shaping up to be — a new deal with Apple TV+, rumors of an expanded playoff format, a new competition happening mid-year with Leagues Cup against all of the Mexican teams in the top division (Liga MX), extra competitions with US Open Cup and Champions Cup, and it’s promising to be a busy year.
If you don’t know by now, I am Rev Brad and this is the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline. Today, I am joined by a couple special guests as Ben Dudley and Troy Ready, volunteer co-chaplains with the Portland Timbers and part of Soccer Chaplains United, jump on the pod to talk about their team — there might be some friendly banter and there will be a season preview of our teams and the league through our chaplain eyes.
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 Kenney2023-02-22 00:00:002024-08-20 11:51:132023 MLS Preview with special guests Troy Ready and Ben Dudley
Josh Bailey has a pastors heart. Josh also is coach and enjoys sports — namely basketball and soccer. In his time as both coach and pastor he has for awhile now, been prayerfully considering ways to combine soccer and sharing about Jesus; being Jesus. He’s had previous opportunities to do serve as a chaplain in the past. Josh served as a chaplain with a men’s college basketball team before — traveling with athletes, attending practices, leading chapel services, and meeting with people one-on-one for spiritual and emotional support. It’s from that experience that Josh knows the many opportunities that can come when investing in the lives of people and he has been sensing it’s time to be more active doing that type of ministry again.
That nudge and inkling led Josh to start searching for ways to connect, especially and more deeply in with the burgeoning soccer community. His search led him to find Soccer Chaplains United and to reach out with an initial inquiry. Josh, is the Pastor at Covenant Church (PCA), where he has been serving since 2018. You can read more on his bio page here.
I was really excited to find Soccer Chaplains United and meet Rev Brad. With the growth of soccer in West Virginia, I was looking for a way to serve the soccer community for Christ. I am looking forward to making connections with the teams and coaches in the greater Charleston area and West Virginia.
Josh, on his hopes for serving the community of soccer in West Virginia
Josh and I have been conversing for the past 6 months. As a pastor, Josh has driven by the local soccer fields and seen an increasing number of people — people whom he knows might never be part or connected to a local church. Seeing the children and parents and families awoken something within him — a desire to reach out, to be available, to serve. And with the rapids growth of the game in the valley — from seeing the collegiate and club teams to even a USL-League Two team — Josh has sought for ways other than coaching to serve.
One of the things that most excites me about Soccer Chaplains United is being a part of a team of other chaplains across the country. As I sought to find a place to do soccer chaplain work, it was very important for me to have accountability and oversight, which is exactly what Soccer Chaplains United provides.
Josh, on one of the things that attracted him to reach out to Soccer Chaplains United
Josh’s background includes serving as a teacher in schools for over 15 years. His latest role before becoming a pastor was as a Title 1 teacher working with students struggling with reading and math. In addition, Josh has coached many athletic teams in soccer and basketball. He works hard to be a servant leader with a consistent demeanor — knowing it’s an example to others, including his wife and 5 children. He strives to be approachable and to be an excellent listener — knowing that these are key components to being part of a team and working with other people.
I am excited to pioneer a work in the greater Charleston area. There is nobody doing work in the soccer community quite like what Soccer Chaplains United offers. I am humbled to be a part of the team!
Josh, on his hopes for working with Soccer Chaplains United to develop out chaplaincy opportunities for the future
We want to encourage supporters to be praying for Josh and the various opportunities that exist and will continue to arise in the greater Charleston, West Virginia area.
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 work. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay 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/2023/02/JoshBailey.png19201440Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-02-21 00:00:002024-07-08 23:50:21Josh Bailey Joins Soccer Chaplains United
Today on the From the Touchline podcast, I am joined by special guest and friend, Dillon Powers. Dillon is a midfielder for Orange County Soccer Club which plays in the United Soccer League — Championship division in the US. The team, based in Orange County, California, won the USL championship back in 2021 and Dillon enters his third season with the club after stints in MLS, Scotland, and Ireland.
I’ve known Dillon ever since he broke into Major League Soccer and was named MLS Rookie of the Year in 2013. This cagy midfielder joins me today to give more insight into what preseason looks like for the professional elite footballer and shares ways to get through the preseason and season — not just on the pitch, but off of it as well.
We dive into Dillon’s playing career and history, some fun tidbits about his life, we talk preseason preparation, and we play a fun little game of “Crosses with Rev” as a fun way to wrap up the interview.
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 Kenney2023-02-15 00:00:002024-08-20 11:51:37Powering through the Preseason with Dillon Powers
I’m pleased to announce that Kalyn Phelps has recently joined the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. Kalyn played for Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs and captained the team for three years. She went on to play collegiately at the University of Northern Colorado which was a Division 2 NCAA school at the time. She played all four years, captaining for two and playing mainly as a center midfielder. She has spent time coaching at the high school and youth levels, as well. Today, as a mother of three, she most recently coached her daughter’s U9 team for Pride Soccer Club in CO Springs and she still enjoys playing the game.
Flashback photo to Kalyn’s playing days at UNC
Kalyn is married to Reid, whom she met after college. Reid is an anesthesiologist and it was during their early married life that Kalyn’s faith was really challenged. In the time that followed, she began to really grow closer to God and owning her own faith through some strong connections to a church and faith community during Reid’s medical school years.
Kalyn and husband, Reid, pose for a picture while mountain biking
Other passions and interests for Kalyn include art and many visual expressions. She serves as a substitute teacher, art educator, and artist having worked in education, primarily.
Kalyn was recently commissioned to produce the above mural in a local private school in Colorado Springs
I came to know Kalyn through Wayne Pirmann. Both were coaching in the Colorado Springs area and Kalyn became interested in the work of Soccer Chaplains United as Wayne described it to her last year. On Tuesday, January 24, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Kalyn to the board. Making her the first woman to serve in such a capacity.
Part of my own excitement of adding her to the board centers around the anticipated growth of the women’s game here in the U.S. and North America in the next few years. The United Soccer League is expected to build out an entire tier of 2nd division professional soccer (some estimate as many as 40 teams). Additionally, Kalyn will be a great help in guiding Soccer Chaplains United as we look to grow the number of female chaplains serving with our organization.
Kalyn shared some of her faith background and journey,
My faith is a story of God pursuing me. He came after me when I was a young teenager with His love and His truth and it captured my heart. My desire is to daily live out my faith in Christ through loving well and engaging with my family, friendships and community in the same way that Christ has loved me. I certainly don’t do this perfectly, but I am confident that I serve a perfect God and that He is with me and for me.
Kalyn Phelps, on her faith journey and story
Kalyn and her family
Kalyn shared more on her excitement of joining Soccer Chaplains United,
I love the idea of Soccer Chaplains United from when I first heard about it…when I heard about supporting with spiritual care and coming alongside of players it really excited me. Athletes (as I know from my own story) can become lost in who they are — recognizing that God loves them and that He has plans for their lives beyond the pitch is an amazing task and responsibility that chaplains and those with Soccer Chaplains United can be a part of.
Kalyn Phelps, on joining Soccer Chaplains United’s Board of Directors
Welcome Kalyn, 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 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/2023/02/C13517BA-3EA5-45CD-AEDC-7230EDD65D52-scaled.jpeg19201488Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-02-09 00:00:002024-07-08 23:50:26Kalyn Phelps Joins Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors
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