Last week, Major League Soccer (MLS) kicked off — this week, most teams that were on the road are hosting their first home match for 2024. The same is true for the Colorado Rapids (my club) and in today’s podcast, I reflect a little bit on the theme and idea of home.
A few years ago, I read a wonderful little children’s story entitled, The Trip to Panama. In it, two characters, Little Bear and Little Tiger set out to find the “land of their dreams.” They end up making a round about circle and end up at home again, but it’s in the journey that they undertake that the learn a lot about themselves, about what the “land of their dreams” really looks like and also what their friendship means.
As you listen, today, I draw also on some biblical passages that illustrate and resonate with the lessons that Little Bear and Little Tiger learn. I hope you’ll give a few minutes to hear these reflections and to also hear an adapted blessing for home.
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 Kenney2024-02-28 00:00:002024-08-20 11:19:06The Blessing of Home
In our first Community Project request for 2024, the football gear has landed! Or, at least part of it in Benin and is now in the hands of local leader Dorothé and the children that he is teaching soccer to and also sharing about the love of Jesus.
Last month, Lucia Eberle, made a request for soccer gear through her EPC church in Texas. It was a quick turnaround because there was an opportunity to meet her church pastor in Phoenix and get the gear back to Texas with no shipping charges (🙌Southwest – two bags fly free). What was really exciting for me as I “pulled” the project, was the way that some of the quantities and sizes seemed to “just happen.” Of course, I have been doing this long enough to know that it’s part of how God works.
One neat part to the project, Lucia made a glancing reference that Dorothé was hopeful to start a women’s team — I just had enough to outfit a team.
The original request:
approx. 35-50 sets of soccer shirts and shorts
2 sets of goalkeeper gear
What we were able to provide:
31
Gold Men’s Jerseys (2-m, 1-l, 23-resized, 5-xl)
13
Gold Women’s Jerseys (modesty fabric sewn and deeper V-neck style)
42
Shorts {red at bottom} (1-s, 17-m, 19-l, 4-xl, 1-xxl)
Lucia was blown away by the amount of gear and for her most recent trip (see pictures below) she was only able to take one bag to begin and so mixed some of the items from bag one and two in Texas to take with her.
I didn’t realize how much there would be and that I would be able to get it so soon!
Lucia, when she received the gear
Lucia wrote me recently and sent the pictures (above) from her first trip and delivery. Here is from her email below:
Good afternoon just came back to see the soccer teams from Dorothé
He started 30 years ago and it’s all free
Now he has also added teen girls and little ones
What a true joy to see how God is using his love for soccer and young people to bring so much hope to the youth of Benin
Thank you for the hope and the way to encourage these young people
He accepts all youth, Muslim or Christian, and shares the gospel
The kids and Dorothé were so encouraged
Thank you
Dorothé wanted to wait to open the bag with the kids so I brought it this afternoon and he saw inside what there was.
The boys of Benin express their love for Coach Dorothé who has done so much in giving away his life and energy into making soccer accessible and fun for them; Dorothé treats them as his own children.
Friends, we know how meaningful these things are for Dorothé and the children that he is reaching out to with love and care. Thank you for your continued support to provide gear and finances for our projects to keep going out around the world!
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/2024/02/image4.jpeg480640Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-02-22 00:00:002024-07-08 23:45:14Community Project Bag Lands in Benin (An Update)
As a volunteer chaplain entering my 23rd season with the Colorado Rapids, I have come to find an important rhythm to start a season. You might find it strange, but Deuteronomy 20 has become, for me, an important reference point as I bless athletes, coaches, and others involved in the Beautiful Game.
If you’re not familiar with Deuteronomy 20, in the spring time, the nation of Israel has the priests come out and bless those who will be engaged in defending and fighting for the lands need to sustain the people. As untrained, non-professional soldiers, Israel needed to depend upon God in the face of more powerful opponents and overwhelming odds. They needed to be reminded that God is with them and He was fighting alongside of them.
In my many years as a chaplain (and I set this up in today’s podcast a bit), I have come to understand that Deuteronomy 20 has some application for the very people that I serve. So give a listen and hear my case for Deuteronomy 20 as a practical place and point of blessing for the MLS soccer season which is very quick to begin.
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 Kenney2024-02-21 00:00:002024-08-20 11:20:30A Season Blessing For A Season Opening
When Jason Rollins heard that Kurt Trempert was stepping down from serving as the volunteer chaplain to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, he politely asked, “Who is filling your spot?” But, to be honest, he didn’t give it much more thought — he wasn’t ordained, isn’t a pastor, and has never been a “chaplain” before.
But as the search continued for a volunteer chaplain to serve the team, there were a number of barriers present for several of the other candidates, namely the issue of being able to commit to the time involved in serving as a team chaplain. As several candidates dropped off due to busyness, we re-opened the search and after consulting former chaplain, Kurt Trempert, Jason is one of the people that we encouraged to consider applying.
I love working with athletes and building relationships through the vehicle of sports. The position of chaplain for Switchbacks FC began to grow on me because of the combination of soccer and that opportunity for building relationships…
Jason, on his growing interest in the role of chaplain
Despite Jason not having served as a chaplain before, his work and service for some 20 years in education and his current role as Athletic Director for Colorado Springs Christian Schools came across to the interview team as a tremendous preparation point for serving as volunteer chaplain. In addition, Jason’s willingness to pursue a licensing and commission pathway with the Christian Missionary Alliance (CMA) and potential explore an institutional chaplaincy training program helped open the door of possibility for serving in this capacity.
Jason was also previously known to myself (Brad) and others at Soccer Chaplains United as he has led several mission teams to Quito, Ecuador. Born and raised in Quito with missionary parents, Jason has returned several times ,taking soccer gear through our Community Project programs in 2017, 2019, and 2022. Jason also has participated in the Soccer Chaplains United 2021 MLS Cup Watch Party and is a good friend of former chaplain Kurt Trempert.
Jason recently completed a Mental Performance Mastery Coach Certification. It’s part of his passion and gifting to help individuals in sport to achieve the best out of themselves. This, in addition, to several coaching certificates in soccer and certification as an Athletic Director, have positioned him to serve young people in sport for a long time.
My wife knows I love working with athletes, while mental performance coaching is different from chaplaincy, I imagine there is some overlap with helping athletes find and discover resources from within themselves, their faith history and backgrounds (if they have one), and from family and community to help them play, perform, and be well-rounded people.
Jason, on possible applications and translations of his mental performance coaching into chaplaincy
Jason has a professional proficiency in speaking Spanish that will help to serve his time with the athletes. In addition, as Jason serves as a volunteer chaplain there remains more opportunity to build the chaplain team serving the Switchbacks organization for the future.
We are excited to see the chaplaincy transition to Jason prior to the season start. We want to ask our supporters to pray for his work with the Switchbacks organization.
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. Click the link below to make a gift or check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/rollins-head-shot--e1707782624553.jpeg537862Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-02-19 00:00:002024-07-08 23:45:19Rollins Getting Rolling, Set to Serve Switchbacks FC As Chaplain
It’s a curious pairing that doesn’t happen very often, but this year Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day occur on the same day. For 2024, February 14th will commingle Christian themes of repentance of sin with expressions of love and this may not be as strange together as it might seem at first!
If you don’t know much about Ash Wednesday, it is the start to the season of Lent. It is the day that kicks off 40 days before Easter (excluding Sundays). Lent is a season characterized by three Christian disciplines that help prepare one’s heart to fully celebrate the awesomeness of the resurrection of Jesus.
Valentine’s Day, too, is an important day. Of course, today, it has been commercialized and turned into a big money-maker. Many people expend a lot of money and energy toward cards, candies, flowers and gifts for loved ones. But Valentine’s Day originally started as a feast day in the Christian church to commemorate a couple of saints who gave of their lives for they faith and expressed love to people in really difficult situations.
I actually think there’s a strange, but real beauty in celebrating both days at the same time. Thanks for giving the podcast a listen to hear and understand more.
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 Kenney2024-02-14 00:00:002024-08-20 11:21:17Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day
For Ben Pflederer, soccer has always been a part of life. From playing at a strong youth club in his childhood, to joining the Vanderbilt University Men’s Club Soccer team during his college days, to today and continuing to play pick-up in and around Denver, soccer has been a joy and a passion.
For Ben, another passion has been ministry and understanding the call of God on his life leading him into exploring full-time ministry. Beginning with serving as a YoungLife group leader in Nashville, to serving with Ubuntu Sports Outreach in Cape Town, South Africa in the summer of 2010, and (now) as Youth Ministry Coordinator of Denver Presbyterian Church, Ben is continuing to explore all that God has in store for him.
Part of that journey has him currently completing a Master’s of Divinity at Denver Seminary.
Recently, Ben came to our attention when, after a Soccer Chaplains United Board Meeting, Vice-Chair Jeremy Tittle started sharing about a youth pastor at his church that might be a fit for the Rapids Academy vacancy.
I don’t know why I didn’t think of this earlier…but there’s a guy that plays pick-up soccer and he’s involved in the youth ministry at the church. He’s recently been promoted at the church and he’s in seminary…
Jeremy Tittle, with a dawning realization about Ben
Of course, I had to give Jeremy a hard time. “Why have you been holding out on us? You know we’ve been looking for an academy chaplain for over a year now!” I laughed.
Since that late October meeting and Jeremy’s realization that Ben might be a fit to serve with Soccer Chaplains United, we’ve undergone a process with Ben. A number of interviews, application and screening process, and now beginning an onboarding process while he balances school and work.
This position is a perfect combination of my greatest passions and experience: ministry, youth, mentoring, counseling, and soccer. I have recently learned more about Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in seminary and it has deeply sparked my interest in this particular form of ministry, especially outside of the formal church setting.
Ben Pflederer, on his interest in exploring and serving as academy chaplain
The Rapids academy is currently some 80+ players strong, spread over three age-group teams (U-14, U-15, and U-17). Of the 80 or so players, 40 of them are enrolled in the online schooling program hosted by the Rapids which allows the athletes to be on-site at the stadium to get in more training sessions as many of them strive to win a 1st team contract someday. 25 of those athletes are part of the “Homestay Program” which means their families live out of state and they are living with local families here in Colorado while they train, study, and play for the Rapids.
Ben’s work and role with begin with offering a weekly presence and our initial thoughts are to offer a weekly group study or time with looking at the Bible and other character and life-building types of issues made optional for athletes in the academy program. Additionally, Ben will serve as an extra layer of resource and support for the athletes and their families as they undergo the pressures of working to achieve the professional soccer dream.
While playing in an academy environment can mean a greater chance of successfully becoming a professional soccer player, it is estimated that currently less than 2% of NCAA athletes make it into the professional levels of their sport. Historically, the Colorado Rapids have signed 1 or 2 academy products to a next level contract (Rapids 2 or the official 1st Team), but it is still a difficult journey for many and few will see the reward of playing pro soccer at the end.
There are very few chaplains that are specific to MLS academies. Soccer Chaplains United was the first to place an academy chaplain with Rubèn Rodríguez in 2018. Currently, there are three academy specific chaplains with Ben’s placement. The other is Soccer Chaplains United’s Michael Kell with LAFC appointed in late 2022 and another sports ministry person in Saint Louis serving the MLS academy there. Ben now becomes the second chaplain in Colorado Rapids academy history.
More than anything these kids need care and need to know God’s care and desire to work in their lives. It is such a challenging and formative time for them and any bit I can do to help and guide them spiritually, emotionally, developmentally is such valuable and rewarding work. I can envision doing this position for many years and the joy of developing those relationships and the fruits God can bring.
Ben, on his future vision of the role
We are excited to welcome Ben to the team, and we’d ask our supporters to pray for his work amongst the Rapids academy athletes.
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. Click the link below to make a gift or check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Ben-Pflederer-Headshot.png628624Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-02-12 00:00:002024-07-08 23:45:24Pflederer Begins Serving as Rapids Academy Chaplain
One of the biggest issues faced by elite footballers is the issue of identity. So much time and energy and investment — emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually — goes into the sport, that it can be difficult when our status or position in the game changes or comes to an end.
In today’s Lesson From Lasso, we talk about this issue of identity. AFC Richmond’s Roy Kent is having an identity crisis. All he knows. All he loves. All he cares about is football — and to imagine life without football, it’s overwhelming and daunting. Where ought our identity be? What do we do when our context changes and pieces and parts of our identity with it? Listen as I share from scripture what the Bible says about identity.
Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show 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 Kenney2024-02-07 00:00:002024-08-20 11:21:47Lessons from Lasso — Identity
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