Sometimes our story doesn’t quite go the way that we think it should. God often has plans for us (if we will see them) that go beyond our wildest dreams. My story and journey with soccer is very much like this — I would never have thought that I would be doing the work that I so thoroughly love and enjoy doing today.
Today, on the podcast, we dip back into the archives and replay a podcast which originally aired, April 11, 2018. Here I finish sharing my soccer story and how I became the volunteer chaplains to the Colorado Rapids.
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.
Soccer Chaplains United is excited to announce that Jordan Medas is transitioning from his role as East Coast Chaplain Manager to a new position as Chief Administration Officer (CAO). In his expanded role, Jordan will oversee the onboarding and certification of new chaplains, manage educational equivalencies and training development, and contribute to enhancing the organization’s digital presence, including the website and social media channels.
Jordan has been a vital member of the Soccer Chaplains United team, bringing a passion for both ministry and soccer to his work. As the East Coast Chaplain Manager, he played a key role in supporting chaplains across the U.S., providing spiritual care to soccer players, coaches, and staff at various levels. His deep understanding of chaplaincy, coupled with his leadership experience, made him an ideal candidate for this new role.
In his capacity as CAO, Jordan will focus on streamlining the process of bringing new chaplains into the organization, ensuring they are properly trained and equipped to serve the soccer community. He will also develop and oversee educational programs to maintain high standards of chaplaincy and ensure the ongoing professional development of Soccer Chaplains United’s chaplain corps.
“I’m excited for this new chapter with Soccer Chaplains United,” said Jordan. “I’m looking forward to continuing to support the growth of the organization and helping to equip chaplains who can have a lasting impact in the soccer world.”
Jordan’s transition to CAO marks an important step in Soccer Chaplains United’s ongoing mission to provide spiritual care and support to athletes and teams across the nation.
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/2021/06/8935269C-EDF2-4BC7-B830-5A41EE042F34.jpg14361440Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-11-26 00:00:002024-11-18 13:49:17Medas Transitioning to Chief Administration Officer at Soccer Chaplains United
Soccer Chaplains United is pleased to announce that Wells Thompson, former professional soccer player, has joined its Board of Directors. Thompson brings a wealth of experience from both the soccer world and the business sector, as well as a passion for service and community engagement, making him an invaluable addition to the organization.
Thompson, a former midfielder who played for several Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, including the New England Revolution and Colorado Rapids, has long been an advocate for the power of sport to impact lives. Throughout his career, he demonstrated leadership both on and off the field, and he remains deeply connected to the soccer community through his work as an entrepreneur and mentor.
“I’m beyond grateful to join the board of Soccer Chaplains United,” Thompson said. “Their work isn’t just important—it’s personal. I’ve experienced how their spiritual care can change a life because it changed mine. Soccer has this beautiful way of connecting people, and what Soccer Chaplains United does goes so much deeper. They show up for players, coaches, and staff in ways that matter, not just for the game, but for life. I’m excited to give back and be part of something that truly makes a difference.”
As a member of the Board of Directors, Thompson will help guide Soccer Chaplains United as it continues to expand its mission of providing spiritual care and support to soccer players and staff across the U.S and beyond. Through partnerships with teams in various leagues, Soccer Chaplains United is committed to supporting the well-being of athletes both on and off the field.
“We’re thrilled to have Wells join our team,” said the organization’s Executive Director, Brad Kenney. “His background in professional soccer, along with his heart for service, will be instrumental as we continue to grow and serve the soccer community.”
Thompson’s appointment to the Board of Directors is a significant step forward for Soccer Chaplains United as it seeks to broaden its impact in the world of soccer. Well’s appointment sees the Board grow to eight with room, still to grow.
People always think that a chaplain in soccer must have played at a high level of the game. This is a bad misnomer, but usually chaplains in soccer have some love and affinity and connection to the game. And the same holds true for myself, (Rev Brad).
Today, on the podcast, we dip back into the archives and replay a podcast which originally aired, April 4, 2018. Here I share my soccer story — from playing a youth player in Arizona and the heights to which I did not reach. But I count it a blessing to be able to do the work that I do as a volunteer chaplains to the Rapids and I think God knew what He was doing in having my career in the game be less than glamorous. Today is part one of that 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 Kenney2024-11-20 00:00:002024-11-18 12:10:48My Soccer Story – Rev Brad
It’s always great to go out on top! And while we always knew that Felipe Olavarría would one day leave the US to return to his native Chile, we just didn’t think it would be this soon! Felipe joined Soccer Chaplains United late last year and had begun meeting with and serving the coaches, staff, and athletes of the United Soccer League — League One team, Union Omaha. The team won the League One championship this past Sunday, the second time in it’s history to win the top of the league and Felipe’s first full season with the team.
Felipe came to us on the recommendation of Kurt Trempert (former Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC volunteer chaplain for 9 years) and we were excited and pleased to see the continued growth of our volunteer chaplain group. However, Felipe and wife Taya, have always known that their road would lead back to Chile—but God sped up the timeline this year.
Felipe has been serving as an Associate Pastor at Millard Alliance and recently completed a degree program at Crown College. He will retain his CMA pastoral ordination, but will now be a missionary through Mission Quest with Millard Alliance, Omaha becoming the family’s sending church. Felipe will be planting in Santiago’s capital borough of Providencia. You can support their work to plant by clicking this link here to go to their Mission Questsupport page.
It has been one of my greatest joys to serve Union Omaha and to be supported by Soccer Chaplains United. It truly has been life-giving.
Felipe, on his time with Soccer Chaplains United
We pray God’s grace and strength as the Felipe pursues God’s continued call on his life and ministry. With great love and affection we say God bless and God speed! Please pray as we look for Felipe’s replacement with Union Omaha.
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/2024/10/263-Felipe-Andre-Olavarria_1729195471_600x400.png400600Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-11-19 00:00:002024-11-18 11:20:53Olavarrías Out of Omaha and On Towards God’s Providencia
Saint Martin of Tours’ Feast Day was November 11 — also known as Veteran’s Day (US) and Remembrance Day (UK). Advent (Celtic) begins November 15 — this season of 40 days preceding Christmas is a time of preparation and reflection. So what to talk about on the podcast that is sandwiched between the two?
Today, on the podcast, I talk about reflecting on the important people and important influences that have shaped our lives and helped us get to where we are, whether in our lives or our careers. But I also talk about the importance that different seasons have in our lives and how we ought to embrace what those seasons offer us in terms of spiritual, emotional, and physical preparations.
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 Kenney2024-11-13 00:00:002024-11-12 14:08:00In-between Saint Martin and Advent
Last month was Pastor/Chaplain Appreciation Month and we took time to feature some of our new chaplains with Soccer Chaplains United this year. Well, we’ve added so many new people that we thought we’d carry on that we couldn’t contain into just one month and we love our volunteer chaplains because they serve so willingly and so well without renumeration or much glory.
Today, on the podcast, it’s part two of my interview with Jason Rollins. Jason is volunteer chaplain to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC since February of this year. He’s replaced long-time chaplain Kurt Trempert who had to resign last year to take a new church leadership role. In part two, Jason and I discuss more of his work in following on from friend Kurt and we also get into some girl-dad talk and play a game of Crosses with Rev. It’s a fun bit for the next 30 minutes that we hope you’ll enjoy.
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 Kenney2024-11-06 00:00:002024-10-22 12:44:04Chaplain Appreciation: Meet Chaplain Jason Rollins – Part 2
For 14 years, Ben Dudley has served as the co-volunteer chaplain for the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer. And for the past two years, he’s had the amazing privilege of leading the vision and work of the non-profit Free Guitars for Kids (FG4K). His love of soccer and passion for music were, at one-time, on a level playing field—but no longer. Ben is hanging up the “boots” to more fully “pick” the guitar for the national non-profit.
Serving as chaplain for the Timbers has been one of the greatest honors of my life, a journey filled with purpose and connection. Now, with Free Guitars 4 Kids, I have the opportunity to impact young lives in a whole new way. Giving kids a guitar isn’t just about an instrument; it’s about hope, expression, and empowerment. This work allows me to reach kids who may have never had the chance to explore music and creativity otherwise, and that mission has become a calling I can’t ignore. While I’ll always cherish my time with the Timbers, I’m excited to devote my energy to helping these kinds find their voice through music.
Ben, on his volunteer chaplaincy service of 14 seasons and on the emerging work of Free Guitars for Kids
My relationship with Ben goes back beyond his start with the Timbers. I still remember the phone call as he was driving a U-Haul truck from Waco, Texas to Portland, OR. “Hey, I’m going to be working in Portland and I’m interested in serving as the chaplain to the soccer team there. What could that look like?” The Timbers at the time (2010) were in the A-League with plans to join MLS in 2011 as an expansion team. A year later, Ben and I were together in Toronto for the MLS Cup Final and the pathway to start working with the team had formed.
Ben and I sit in the freezing cold for the 2010 MLS Cup Final
Back then, Soccer Chaplains United was known as CrossTraining Ministries. I owe a lot to Ben in the formation and work of seeing Soccer Chaplains United come into existence. In 2012, Ben expressed need and desire to see the non-profit grow to potentially support better raising funds. The work began to form and establish a 501(c)3 nonprofit but a political snafu held up the determination and Ben move into another role but continued to work as the volunteer chaplain. In 2013, former Timber player, Troy Ready, joined as co-volunteer chaplain and the two kept close ties with me and were watching the growth and change which came exponentially as I left church staff in 2015. In 2017, Ben and Troy, re-joined the newly re-branded Soccer Chaplains United as the non-profit began a new chapter.
In 14 seasons of serving the Portland Timbers organization, there are likely a number of highlights and memories to look back on. And certainly, Ben and Troy were both proud of the Timbers MLS Cup win in 2015 and being in the final as well in 2018 and 2021. With Ben serving the club, I’ve made it a point to try and get to Portland every few years to encourage and support Ben and his family and the work being done and it’s led to many great memories and times shared.
Ben Dudley (second from left) and I put together a panel on Character in Youth Sports for the 2019 United Soccer Coaches Convention
Helping Brad shape Soccer Chaplains United from its early “Cross-Training” days was an adventure! We spent countless hours dreaming up what SCU could be, fueled by faith and probably way too much coffee. It’s been incredible to watch Brad take the vision and run with it, growing SCU into something beyond what I had ever imagined. I’m really proud of Brad and his leadership and commitment to holistic chaplain development and support.
Ben, on his favorite Timbers memory and favorite Brad memory
It’s with a mix of joy and sadness that we say goodbye to the one of the longest tenured volunteer chaplains in our history and one that has been at the front of helping Soccer Chaplains United grow into the group that it is today. We wish Ben and his family well into this next stage and chapter of life and vocational calling!
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/Image-4.jpg756720Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-11-04 00:00:002024-11-05 09:58:21Dudley Leaves Soccer Chaplains United to ‘Do-Right’ by Free Guitars for Kids
For the past few years, Soccer Chaplains United has participated in ColoradoGives Day. ColoradoGives Day is part of the ColoradoGives program sponsored by Community First Foundation. Through ColoradoGives.org donors and philanthropic-minded people can support local, Colorado-based non-profits that meet certain criteria. Those nonprofits are then eligible to receive a portion of an incentive fund that adds to the donation total.
Early giving begins today which means that all donations made through ColoradoGives.org will be counted toward our December 10 efforts. Additionally, the corporate match challenge and other prize-winning
Last year, we raised just over $5, 000. This year, we are hoping to see that number increase. Because of the number of chaplain placements we’ve made this year, we’re behind by nearly $15,000 so we’re looking to raise nearly half of that deficit during this next season to begin covering the gap.
Soccer Chaplains United is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which relies on the generous support of individual donors and church partners to carry out its work of chaplaincy in soccer.
Thank You For Considering a Gift!
Beside using the ColoradoGives.org site (2% fees) donors can also give a safe, secure, electronic, tax-deductible gift via PushPay by clicking the button below or by texting soccerchaplains to 77977. PushPay charges flat rate fees of 1, 2, and 3% based on ACH, Debit and Credit donation forms respectively. Donors can also mail donations made out to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/CGD-HZ-4C-LOGO.png10672560Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-11-01 00:00:002024-10-29 14:32:12ColoradoGives Early Giving Begins Today!
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