Rev Brad, in this edition of From the Touchline, shares about the extent to which he grew up with soccer in this, the first part of his story.  From his first team, the North Phoenix Baptist Saints to his last ever training session with the Moody Bible Institute Archers, Rev Brad talks about how great he wasn't at soccer. "Don't laugh, but that is me in the photo...The Saints, who knew?" Inquiries and feedback can be sent to podcast@soccerchaplainsunited.org. From the Touchline is a short-feature (10 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney and occasional guests touching on various issues around faith, family, and football. Check out the Soccer Chaplains United App and go to the Media section. Under podcasts you will see a

Today, Roger Lipe of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) hosted myself and Jorge Vallejo, also of FCA, on a phone interview to discuss chaplaincy for soccer. I have known Jorge for a number of years and we have had the privilege of serving a number of the same people — players, coaches, and staff. Jorge serves as chaplain for Atlanta United FC (Major League Soccer). Jorge and I offer some perspectives and share our thoughts and experience with chaplaincy in soccer/football during the call. You can listen to the recorded call (approx. 45 min), here at this link: https://fccdl.in/gmWPwtPfWX If you are interested in learning more about becoming involved in soccer chaplaincy, I would encourage you to reach out to us

A final few thoughts from my time in Costa Rica. One day, after our work time, we all jumped in the ocean. The waves were hug! The riptide, though, was pulling us further and further down the beachfront and out to sea. I reflected to the team and on the Valor Discovery blog and I want to share that reflection with you here: Not many of you know me. I was born in Denver, but grew up in Arizona. My grandparents lived in Laguna Nigel, CA for several years and I have many fond memories of the beach and the ocean. I learned early how to body surf and boogie board and I love playing in the ocean. Now, I

So, one of the more interesting parts of Costa Rica and our time there was seeing the many different animals in the wild. Not usual for someone from Colorado! Sleeping bats in the morning hut where we did devotions. Monkeys dropping mangos on to cars in the hotel parking lot to break them open for a mid-morning snack. Gila monsters crossing the road. Gecko lizards in the luggage and more! One of my favorite moments was seeing a stick bug who had found one of our green walls to have a similar color to a tree. Such a small and fragile feeling creature. An amazing wonder and complement to God's created world. I literally thought a small twig or branch

Driving through some of the towns and villages in Costa Rica, it was amazing to see some things which stood out. Namely, the cancha fields. Here in the midst of tin roof buildings on the side of a road would be a beautiful turf field with lights and netting. "Cancha" in Spanish means court. The small-sided field would host a 5 v. 5 match. Games were fast-paced. The ball, more like a futsal ball, had less bounce and a softer feel. (I know because one hit my face!) After several hours at the work site, our Valor Discovery Team made up of members of the boys and girls soccer team at Valor Christian High School would play small-sided games against