With COVID-19 stifling the world around, we wanted to provide an update on where our community projects and initiatives stand at this point. If you're an avid reader and follower, you will know that Valor Christian High School cancelled their trip to Costa Rica. The houses still got built, but the team that was to leave back in mid-March had to return the requested soccer gear. We still have a fulfillment waiting for new project requestor, Musana; however, the delay with lockdown measures has meant that the containers are behind in being finished and with the country of Uganda shut down as well, there haven't been approvals for the shipping manifesto and the soccer items that we've currently got waiting

Part of the uniqueness of the beautiful game is the game is in constant motion. There is little stopping of play and there is a fluidity to the athletes and official that are on the field. Especially for the midfield position, there is a lot of running that goes on. Data analytics have tracked averages around 7 miles in a typical soccer match — with some players running as much as 9.5 miles in a game. On today's From the Touchline podcast episode, Wells Thompson is our special guest. Wells is a now-retired midfielder who played for many years — in college for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and then for Major League Soccer professional clubs New England Revolution, Colorado Rapids,

Soccer Chaplains United's Director of Counseling, Brooke Ewert, recently took part in an interview series with the Colorado Rapids. With the month of May being known as Mental Health Month, the Rapids have been doing a series, entitled, Mindful Monday. The interview style stories on the website featured Brooke and others working in the field of mental health and sport. Read the interview here. Part of the vision of Soccer Chaplains United is to work closely with counselors in order to provide necessary clinical interventions that support the whole person. While chaplains often provide spiritual help and support, there are times when it is important to refer the athletes, coaches, staff, and their family members on to a trusted counselor

In football, there are many places where one's career may take them — across international borders and all around the world. The shoes that we wear as we travel that journey in football (soccer) can become muddied and grimy with the difficult situations and circumstances that we walk through. It might be a failed tryout, a sketchy contract, an abusive coach, a failed relationship, a season-ending injury, a career-ending injury, or something more. In all our travels, our shoes which may have started out white, pristine and glowing (perhaps a metaphor for our hopes, dreams, and confidence) can end up being bruised, broken, and down and dirty. On today's From the Touchline podcast episode, I am joined by special friend

It's my pleasure to announce that Travis Eliason, brother to current board member Geoff Eliason, has joined the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. Travis brings a wealth of legal experience and knowledge as an attorney in Illinois. He is a partner with Quales and Brady, LLP and graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law. His legal specialty areas include focuses on representing lenders and other secured and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy cases and complex commercial litigation. His undergraduate studies were at Wheaton College where he played soccer on the men's varsity team.  Travis and his skill set fill a vacancy left by former board member, Darren Dragovich, who moved on earlier this year. When I asked him what he is looking