It is a unique time and space to be at the beginning of the construction of a new stadium ground or participating in a new football club being built up or commissioned. Because of the long-time popularity of the sport, many teams around the world have an old and storied history — but there are times when a club sees a new day. It might be when a new ownership group takes over. It might be in the appointment of a new team manger. It could even be in the building of a new stadium or "house," as it were. It might be a new and developing team or league in a younger soccer nation. This prayer, based on Psalm

There are times in an athlete, coach, staff, or even a family member's life when complacency can set in. We can struggle to think that we need to improve or we can avoid or complain critique. There is sometimes a need to break out of the mold of the past and continue working on our selves — and this is best done, aided by God and in the midst of healthy community. This prayer is a prayer asking for God to keep one from becoming complacent or lackadaisical — no matter what one's level or role in the game or in life. It is a prayer that asks for the ability to take criticism and to celebrate success with integrity.

An injury can be devastating — especially for an elite, professional footballer. It may not be a "serious" injury — even a slight strain or tweak of a muscle can mean exclusion from playing of being put outside of the team's plans. And small, niggling injuries can be deciders — word gets out that an athlete "struggles to stay healthy" or that one has a "problem staying fit." Sometimes injury can occur and there aren't good resources applied to healing and recovery, or an athlete may be dismissed or disregarded. This prayer is for the one who is struggling to regain form or come back from an injury or pain that prevents playing and can leave someone feeling left out or

Athletes know mentality is critical, especially, at elite level of sport. Having the right mentality is key. What do you do to stay focused? How does one keep a mindset of peace? Whether it is the worry and stress of earning the next contract, or winning a starting role in the first eleven, or performing well in a game — there is a lot of pressure that can be on a person in football. This doesn't even take into account the pressures that one might feel or struggle with personally, the "off the field" issues as it is sometimes known. This prayer is a prayer for having the right mentality based on Philippians 4:8-9. Being a person of peace and a

It is probably too much to say that the goalkeeper in football (soccer) is the most important position on the team, but it certainly is the most unique position. Of the 11 players on the field for a team, the goalkeeper (GK) is the only one who can legally use his hands to defend the goal. It is often said that GK's are "crazy" or "a different breed." But certainly, a GK must have a different kind of mindset and mentality than most of the other players on the field. This prayer is a prayer that someone who is a GK might pray — a blessing for the work of his or her hands. A prayer to God to help