October is Pastor/Chaplain Appreciation Month. All month long we’re featuring some of our new chaplains on the podcast because we really appreciate our volunteer people who serve without renumeration or much glory.
Today, on the podcast, it’s part one of my interview with Jason Rollins. Jason has been serving as volunteer chaplain to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC since February. And here, in part one, Jason shares a bit about growing up in Quito, Ecuador and how he got connected into doing the work with the Switchbacks. If you’ve got 30 minutes you’ll enjoy hearing the beginning of Jason’s story.
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 Kenney2024-10-30 00:00:002025-09-12 10:42:48Chaplain Appreciation: Meet Chaplain Jason Rollins – Part 1
Malcom Brown‘s journey toward vocational ministry began with a specific word: “chaplaincy.” In a season of discernment, Malcom strongly felt God calling him to this specific form of Christian ministry but wasn’t sure what it might end up looking like. Then, earlier this year, the Vanderbilt University Master of Divinity student was approached by a church member who shared with him about Soccer Chaplains United.
I remember…my surprise! While I have a heart for chaplaincy, I recognize that there is much to continue learning about the varied places that the work is going forth. As Desmond shared more with me about the academy context, the challenges that players and families encounter, I was excited to stand in the gap with them and see what God would accomplish in this space.
Malcom, on the connection a church member made
Desmond Armstrong, a former US Olympian, World Cup Veteran, and National Hall of Fame soccer star had had a number of meetings with Nashville SC chaplain Greg Joiner, as well as with me. As Desmond got to know the organization better and understood our search for a volunteer chaplain to serve the club’s academy, Malcom came to mind.
Malcolm and I immediately connected at a Super Bowl gathering at a church members house. We were the only two rooting for the same team against the rest of the house. After that bonding event, we started to meet up once a week and talk about life and scripture. Malcolm possessed a maturity and grasp of the scriptures that belies his age. Really, his dependence on the Holy Spirit for direction caught my attention and respect. Through conversation, he spoke of his pursuit of the office of chaplain. The timing was such that I immediately recommended him to the team in Nashville.
Desmond, on what he saw and whatt prompted him to recommend Malcom to Soccer Chaplains United
Growing up as young man in Washington state, Malcom Brown, loved tennis. An aspiring athlete with college tennis about to become a realized dream, that dream came crashing down when the college scholarship was pulled. The pain of that moment led to a journey of diving deeper and realizing that he needed to better develop his own personal resources of faith for such unexpected moments of life. After graduating from a number of years in the work force, Malcom began to sense that God’s call on his life was leading him into pursuing chaplaincy.
Part of Malcom’s passion centers on helping young people develop those critical resources of faith for the tests and trials that life has us go through.
I have a ‘vested’ interest, but I want the academy athletes to know that my interest isn’t in any way tied to their athletic performance. My desire is to hold space for them to talk and open up. I pray that I am able to come alongside of them in a way that maybe a coach, a parent, or someone else cannot. I hope that by seeing and experiencing me as a chaplain will help to remind them that God sees, loves, and cares for them.
Malcom, on his approach toward athletes
Malcom is currently a graduate student at Vanderbilt University and serves at Proclamation Church. He is licensed by the International Ministerial Fellowship and is in the process of joining the Army Reserve Chaplain Candidate program. He completed his first unit of CPE at St. Thomas Ascension Hospital.
We are excited to have Malcom join the Soccer Chaplains United team and we look forward to his experience, passion, and expertise in helping care for the athletes, staff, and families represented with Nashville SC Academy.
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/2024/10/NauuV6yD_400x400.jpg400400Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-10-29 00:00:002024-10-28 10:49:42Brown Brings his Story to New Chaplaincy with Nashville Academy
During the month of October we are featuring some of our chaplains and the excellent work they provide to the soccer teams and clubs they serve. It’s Chaplain Appreciation Month and we really appreciate our chaplains who serve without renumeration or much glory.
Today, on the podcast, it’s part 2 of my interview with Geraud Brumfield. Geraud has been serving as volunteer chaplain to Central Valley Fuego FC since late May. He’s been giving a lot of time and attention to this local professional soccer team based in Fresno, CA. In addition to talking about his ministry to university students and some of his passion, we get in a game of Crosses with Rev. Give a listen to part two of our 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.
I met Tiago Souza when Jubal McDaniel introduced him into Soccer Chaplains United in 2022. Jubal had a vision to have Tiago help with our Portuguese speaking needs, and Tiago really stepped up in a massive way. Tiago joined us in May of 2022 and it was later that year that we decided to publish our first devotional book for the World Cup that was happening in November with the World Cup taking place in Qatar.
From left to right: I (Brad) stand with college buddy Tim Rogers, Tiago Souza, and Jubal McDaniel at a Tacoma Defiance match in 2022.
Tiago, single-handedly translated our 80-page devotional, The Light is Coming, from English into Portuguese. Additionally, Tiago has been available to help serve and translate several written and audio prayers and other kinds of messages as our chaplains communicated with Portuguese-speaking athletes, coaches, and staff.
Tiago recently married this summer and his time and current stage of life has him looking at other investments and interests with his personal ministry time.
I am thankful for Tiago’s wisdom and his willingness to learn. He was flexible and gracious with many of the redirections that we experienced during his time with us. I admire his deep love for people ability to ask deep, thoughtful questions and his sense of humor.
– Jubal, on Tiago as part of Soccer Chaplains United
We are thankful for Tiago and wish him well for this next chapter and stage of life!
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/2023/01/IMG_6735.jpg11811186Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-10-17 00:00:002024-10-15 15:47:17Tiago Ends Time with Soccer Chaplains United
October is Chaplain Appreciation Month. It’s a time when we at Soccer Chaplains United highlight and acknowledge the great people that work with us and serve particular soccer clubs and teams.
Today, on the podcast, special guest, Geraud Brumfield. Geraud serves as the volunteer chaplain to Central Valley Fuego FC. He began serving just a few months ago and has fallen in love with this local professional soccer team despite not knowing very much about soccer. You will find that he’s wise, winsome, and loves people and loves Jesus (he’s also single 😉). Give a listen to part one of our 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.
The Spokane Zephyr FC represents a number of firsts—one of the first members of the new women’s Division 1 professional soccer league. The first professional women’s team in the city of Spokane. And one of the first professional soccer teams to adopt a European style of season scheduling (fall and spring). Amongst the many firsts, Amy Miller, will serve as the first volunteer chaplain to support the Zephyr FC staff and players.
Amy is the Adult Ministries Pastor at Spokane’s Church, Spokane after spending years working at another local church. Originally from Arizona, Amy has come to call Spokane home. Moving to the city in 1986 and finding her husband and a dream job of leading a team of worshippers and creatives in the church, she considers herself blessed to have come to the Pacific Northwest.
In the scope of her work with the church, part of her passion and desire centers on holding space for young people and working to help them with some of their most unique and important challenges.
I contend the greatest human need is ‘to be seen and to be known.’ I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give to people of this day and age is to allow them to be ‘in process’ and come alongside them.
Amy, on her pastoral approach with people
Amy has 4 children, 2 biological and 2 adopted from Ethiopia. Her husband died during 2020 after 34 years of marriage. As a widow, Amy has pursued the continual work of grieving the loss but celebrating a hope-filled future and sharing with others when they are faced with similar pains and losses in life.
Amy came to learn of the opportunity with Zephyr FC after a player approached her after church on Sunday. “I’d like you to be my chaplain,” she shared. That has led Amy on a journey of discovery and finding the work of Soccer Chaplains United and the larger extensions and expressions of soccer ministry that exist across the various professional leagues.
I feel really honored to be invited into the opportunity to serve the team and invited in to be part of a group like Soccer Chaplains United where I can learn and grow in serving the people at this club.
Amy, on her thoughts on joining Soccer Chaplains United and Spokane Zephyr FC
Amy joins Russell Branham who began serving Spokane Velocity earlier this year. Russell and Amy will receive additional coaching and support from Jubal McDaniel who serves additionally as the Pacific Chaplain Manager for Soccer Chaplains United.
I am excited for Amy to join Soccer Chaplains United and begin building a presence of chaplaincy in the USL Super League. Her unique level of experience in ministry and life will prove extremely valuable for the people in her care as well as for us as fellow chaplains.
Jubal, on Amy joining Zephyr FC and Soccer Chaplains United
Soccer Chaplains United is excited by the opportunity to continue building out service and care for the relationships with Spokane. We are excited to welcome Amy to the team, and we’d ask our supporters to pray for her work with this new USL Super League club that has already begun its season.
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/2024/10/Amy-MIller-Headshot.jpeg480584Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-10-11 00:00:002024-10-22 09:15:54Amy Miller a First for Spokane Zephyr FC
This past year of 2024 has seen an exciting explosion of soccer happening in Spokane, WA. A new United Soccer League (USL) organization has brought professional soccer to the city. The Spokane Velocity play in USL-1, a third-division professional team. Additionally, the organization houses a women’s professional team (Spokane Zephyr FC) as part of the new USL Super League which kicked off in mid-August.
Beginning in late 2023, Soccer Chaplains United started to gather candidates for serving as volunteer chaplain for the inaugural 2024 season for the club. After several rounds of conversations and interviews with a number of qualified and interested candidates, Russell Branham stood out from among a strong pool of people. He has patiently worked through a process with both Soccer Chaplains United and Spokane Velocity to serve in this inaugural chaplain capacity.
Russ works full-time as a national sales manager for a medical device company. An elder at his church, Christ the Redeemer, he is also a candidate to complete a Master’s in Biblical Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary in January of 2025. Part of Russ’ passion and desire center on reaching out to younger people and building trust to be able to speak into their lives and love them by showing hospitality and listening to the things that trouble them most.
I have just seen that young people – from 18-25 – just really have so few people speaking into their lives. What I love about Soccer Chaplains United is that the chaplain is equipped and empowered to come alongside many who wouldn’t otherwise have someone in their lives to ask “how are you?” and not mean it superficially, in a culture that gauges how you are by what you share on social media.
Russ, on his experience and sense about the chaplaincy opportunity with Soccer Chaplains United
Russ grew up in the Hillyard neighborhood of Spokane and went to college at the University of Idaho. He came to faith later in life (at the age of 31) through the love and care of a local pastor who was going around and knocking on neighborhood doors and having conversations with people.
Russ is a big encourager of people and a networker/connector. He loves to see people in places where they can flourish. He and his wife have five children and one of them adopted from foster care. Russ enjoy running and fly fishing as his hobbies. He’s also got a passion for finding great Mexican food.
Spokane is my home and having the Velocity here is not just a community rallying point but, a place for us to come together in the spirit of fun, competition and unity. It’s a place where can find a common ground and a bond around the team and community. The Velocity will allow us to be arm in arm with no agenda other than pride in the team and the city of Spokane!
Russ, on his excitement to see the USL organization come to Spokane
Integral to the process of placing Russell was the new position and role of Jubal McDaniel in serving as the Pacific Chaplain Manager. As part of his role, Jubal has been responsible for cultivating relationships within the Spokane Velocity organization and leadership and working to connect Russell for a successful placement and continual support for the onboarding and coaching that goes into raising up a new chaplain.
For me, Russell represents a new historical mile marker for Soccer Chaplains United as my first placement under my new chaplain manager role. This is on top of placing a chaplain with a brand new club and being able to start this journey together. I have enjoyed getting to know Russell throughout this process and I love his heart as a compassionate connector, encourager and advocate.
Jubal, on his excitement at seeing this first placement and working with Russell
We are excited to welcome Russ to the team, and we’d ask our supporters to pray for his work amongst the new USL club in Spokane, Washington.
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/IMG_2985-Copy.jpg15861421Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-10-10 00:00:002024-10-09 21:43:37Branham Becomes a Volunteer Chaplain at Velocity
This week is part 2 of an interview with Volunteer Chaplain Ben Pflederer. During the month of October in honor of Pastoral Appreciation/Chaplain Appreciation Month we will be interviewing and highlighting some of our newest and best and brightest people involved with Soccer Chaplains United.
Today, on the podcast, in part 2 with Ben we talk more about academy life and some of what faces the young men in soccer who Ben is serving. We also talk about one of Ben’s passions and get into a game of Crosses with Rev. It’s an episode you don’t want to miss!
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 Kenney2024-10-09 00:00:002025-09-12 10:45:44Chaplain Appreciation: Meet Chaplain Ben Pflederer – Part 2
October is Pastoral Appreciation Month and that means it is Chaplain Appreciation Month, too. It’s a time to acknowledge the work, the love, and the care provided by the best asset of Soccer Chaplains United, our people!
Today, on the podcast, I interview Chaplain Ben Pflederer. Ben serves as the volunteer chaplain to the Colorado Rapids Development Academy. He began serving earlier this year (2024) and he shares more of his life and story in this week’s (and next week’s) podcast. We talk soccer, Ben’s background, and more. Give a listen and meet Ben Pflederer!
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 Kenney2024-10-02 00:00:002025-09-12 10:45:58Chaplain Appreciation: Meet Chaplain Ben Pflederer – Part 1
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