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Geraud Brumfield is “en Fuego”

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Geraud Brumfield recently has started serving as volunteer chaplain to Central Valley Fuego FC, a team that plays in the United Soccer League 1, otherwise known as USL1. Fuego FC has a bit of a “rise from the ashes” kind of story after the USL Championship side folded in 2019. The team was founded in 2020, after the pandemic and the work to get a new club up and running saw the team bring back professional soccer to the valley in 2022.

Brumfield, serves many young people in his work for a campus ministry outreach. For Geraud much of his life and mission nd passion is about coming alongside of young people who are asking those “larger than life” questions about God, faith, pain, and this world. While soccer isn’t his first language, loving and listening to young people is.

Part of my call in life is to walk with college-age students and to help in the asking and wrestling with those questions that loom…it comes from a part of my testimony. When I was in college, I was asking those same questions. I had a friend who pursued and persisted and he walked with me as I figured out Jesus. I had been living my life trying to make my dad proud of me. The problem was, my dad passed when I was 10 years old. I came to understand God telling me: ‘You are living for someone who is dead. I want you to live for Someone who died for you.’

Geraud Brumfield, on the origins of his call to ministry and his awakening to faith

Fuego’s USL1 level is a near perfect match for Brumfield in terms of player age. As a third division, professional soccer team, many of Fuego’s athletes are younger and aspiring to grow to higher levels in the game. The average age sees the majority of players in their mid-20’s and coming from the recently graduated college ranks.

Geraud with some of the fellas, hanging out at a Fuego game while going through the process with Soccer Chaplains United.

Geraud’s placement story is a beautiful blend between my connections with different people in the game and the work of Pacific Chaplain Manager, Jubal McDaniel. My relationships with Jermaine Jones, the Head Coach, and Adam Smith, the Technical Director, were a tremendous part of seeing Geraud’s placement come about. Jubal has done the work to coach Geraud in the different points of entry that a chaplain must take in building trust and beginning to work with a team.

It has been a tremendous joy to see how warmly Geraud been received by the club…his humor, personality, and deep love for people has shown to be a perfect match.

Jubal McDaniel, on Geraud’s placement

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. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.

Gavin Brings His Brand To Ballard

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Gavin Brand has become Ballard FC’s first volunteer club chaplain. One of the United Soccer League 2’s (USL 2) premier clubs from the Pacific Northwest, Ballard FC has a storied, albeit, short history. Beginning play in 2022, the club won the league championship in 2023 and continues its winning ways with an opening playoff match this Friday, July 19th.

Brand, a pastor in Ballard, is new to soccer chaplaincy, but not new to the work of being a chaplain. He served as an Army Reserve Chaplain for eight years. During his time in the reserves, Brand cared for service members from all walks of life and several different units, some of which saw a strong number of international service members. A passionate runner, Gavin also understands the demands placed upon elite and rising athletes and his heart is to shepherd and guide the young athletes and staff that make up Ballard FC, much like his military chaplaincy days.

One of my favorite aspects of chaplaincy, is the opportunity to walk alongside of people and to counsel and help carry the various life burdens that they carry.

Gavin Brand, on the work of chaplaincy

As a USL2 Team, Ballard FC primarily plays from early May until mid- to early August, depending on playoff results. The team is comprised of male, collegiate athletes who are seeking to retain their college eligibility but also continue to receive pre-professional player development and opportunities to be scouted and seen by USL, Major League Soccer, and other clubs for future opportunities. During the offseason, Ballard FC continues its work in and throughout the community and with building out a roster for the next season.

Brand (nos. 1206, 334, and 149 clockwise) ran cross country for Seattle Pacific University in his collegiate days

Much of the work and effort of connecting and placing Gavin is part of the new position and role of Jubal McDaniel who serves as the Pacific Chaplain Manager. Jubal’s relationships and connections with Ballard FC have helped to connect Gavin and help him to begin a hopefully long legacy of serving this fledgling club with an already impactful history.

In our conversations with the club, it became clear that we didn’t need the top soccer enthusiast. We needed a ‘fire-pit’ guy — someone easy enough to have that comfortable conversation about life around the fire pit…and we found that fire pit guy in Gavin.

Jubal McDaniel, on the personality of Gavin and his placement
Gavin Brand and his family in a recent photo

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. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.

4th Global Congress On Sport and Christianity Set

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The fourth iteration of the Global Congress on Sport and Christianity has been announced and will be held at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary, next summer. The dates have been announced for July 31 – August 2. The congress, which gathers every three years, was first held in York, England in 2016. The purpose of the congress is to bring together practitioners and academicians to critically think and dialogue about issues surrounding sport and faith.

I have had the privilege of attending and presenting at each of the congresses, thus far, and I am looking forward to the congress being a little bit closer to home this go around.

In 2016, I presented on the subject of “recapturing” the pastoral nature of chaplaincy in sport. My congress breakout session was small with about 10 people in attendance, but I was perhaps really encouraged by the published article, Foundations of Pastoral Care: Recovering the Spirit of Chaplaincy in Sport, which was in an accompanying journal, Practical Theology.

In 2019, I took part in two sessions. One was a joint session to a room of about 30 people and the subject was speaking about a biblical foundation for the chaplaincy story. The other session was a joint presentation with our, at the time, Counselor Brooke Ewert and the ‘necessary’ relationship between counseling and chaplaincy.

In 2022, I was a bit disappointed to present on the last day of the congress as most people were heading home or leaving the congress early. Just two other people in the room 😢, but I was still glad to present. In my session, I spoke about the issues of pay when it comes to chaplains in sport.

I am undecided at this point, whether I will present at this congress. Presenting takes a different toll emotionally and I might like to just take it all in after a busy few years with Soccer Chaplains United, but who knows?

As Soccer Chaplains United continues to grow, the global congress offers a moment and time for our chaplains to gather and to reflect and share — whether we critically engage academia, or share best practices, or simply gather and fellowship with like-minded people, I am looking forward to the time in Waco, Texas next summer.

It would be great to have some benefactors help myself and some of our chaplains get to Waco. Please reach out to me: brad@soccerchaplainsunited.org if you would like to help be part of this endeavor.

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. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.

Ruiz Steps Back from Soccer Chaplains United to Focus on the Valley

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A little over a year ago, EJ Ruiz stepped into a gap. Chaplain Isidro Piña was moving to San Antonio and needed to handoff the chaplaincy work with the (now defunct) Rio Grande Valley Toros FC, an USL-Championship soccer team. From June until December of 2023, EJ faithfully served as the new chaplain to the Toros with Isidro encouraging and guiding him. Then, the devastating news came just 6 months into EJ tenure — the team was folding. When the Toros officially eased operations on December 18, 2023, EJ and Isidro did their best to help players and coaches in the transition period.

In the months since Toros disbanded, EJ and myself began asking if there were any other soccer teams that might be served with EJ as chaplain. However, the task of shepherding and preaching for the church, El Mesias UMC in Mission, Texas and increased roles within the denomination combined with the difficult work of starting something fresh and anew has meant that EJ needs to step back from Soccer Chaplains United.

EJ remains open to the possibility of returning to serve as a chaplain should the Toros return at some point.

Soccer Chaplains United has been extremely blessed to have EJ as part of the team. He played an important role in helping be a presence to the athletes and coaches at a difficult time. We pray that EJ and his family, experience God’s grace and favor as they look to invest more of their love, time, and energy into the church and community in the RGV.

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. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.

Revised Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football Available!

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Just shy of one year from our initial publication of the devotional book, Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football, we’ve released a new edition. Featuring new artwork and changes to the book to make it more timeless, this second edition is available globally on Amazon in paperback and ebook (Kindle) formats.

The devotional looks at the lives of five women listed as part of Jesus’ genealogy found in the Gospel of Matthew. 25 different readings examine some of the visible attributes out of their lives and personalities. These virtues and traits might also be visible and valued in the people that we see in the Beautiful Game!

Below is the artwork — reproductions are available! Requests including information on sizes and pricing should be sent via email to Kalyn Phelps at k.and.eve.create@gmail.com. A portion of proceeds will go to benefit Soccer Chaplains United.

If you or your team are interested in a discounted, bulk sale please send an email for more details: info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

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. 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.

Google Podcasts Have Moved! Check out YouTube

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Youtube application screengrab

We’ve successfully moved the From the Touchline podcast to our YouTube channel. Last year, it was announced that Google Podcasts and Google Podcast Manager would be going away — with a remaining option to move podcasts to the YouTube platform.

Well, we’ve completed the process and now, all episodes of the podcast (269) as today can be found on our YouTube channel, click here to access and to subscribe.

black laptop computer turned on with red light

In the ever changing landscape of the web, we try to stay up to date as much as possible and as cost-effective as possible, in delivering news and content related into soccer, chaplaincy, and our work in this space.

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 service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Simply click the PushPay (the big P) link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

Jordan Medas to Lead Up East Coast

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Today, I am really pleased to announce that volunteer chaplain, Jordan Medas, has offered to step into a role serving Soccer Chaplains United as the East Coast Chaplaincy Manager. With the appointment, Jordan becomes the second chaplain manager and pairs with Jubal McDaniel who serves on the west coast.

The chaplain growth of 2023 (8 chaplains and 40% growth) has led to an increase in the importance of supporting existing chaplains all while continuing to discover and develop new chaplains. While still fairly new role, the chaplain managers (both Jordan and Jubal) are tasked with 1) supporting chaplains within their particular timezones and 2) working to discover and develop out new chaplains for new chaplain opportunities that arise.

Despite being a Liverpool supporter, I’ve had to be ok with Jordan becoming a chaplain manager

Jordan joined Soccer Chaplains United in June of 2021 and served regionally in Orange, VA. In 2023, he transitioned to serving a youth club which has since become a Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsored club. Jordan’s role as chaplain as shifted and he has been freed up to work more with Soccer Chaplains United administratively and helping with chaplain support.

As Soccer Chaplains United continues to grow (about to break 30 chaplains) we are aiming to retain a high-level and standard which is guided by our common code of conduct and fairly strict, professional standards. Adding Jordan to help us manage the growth is a key part of seeing what God is doing through Soccer Chaplains United

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 service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Simply click the PushPay (the big P) link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

Navitsky Moves on from Soccer Chaplains United

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Greg Navitsky, served as chaplain for Valor Christian High School Boy Soccer from 2020-2022 and as a consultant for Soccer Chaplains United for the past couple of years, has shared that he is stepping down to more fully pursue different interests and ministry calling — including his growing family and continuing work with the church and local ministry group, Where Grace Abounds.

Greg has already begun writing a proposal for a doctors thesis and is keen to explore whether God might be calling him more into a PhD program or a professorship, with teaching being a key passion and burden for his heart.

Just a few months ago, Greg and his wife (Bekka) welcomed a new, baby boy (Isaiah) into their lives — so needless to say there are a few new things going on in the Navitsky home.

Soccer Chaplains United has been extremely blessed to have Greg as part of the team the past few years and to share his faith, his talents, and his wisdom in several different capacities. We pray that Greg and Bekka and Isaiah, will experience God’s grace and favor for the future calling and opportunities that they invest and involve in.

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. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.

Rollins Getting Rolling, Set to Serve Switchbacks FC As Chaplain

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When Jason Rollins heard that Kurt Trempert was stepping down from serving as the volunteer chaplain to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, he politely asked, “Who is filling your spot?” But, to be honest, he didn’t give it much more thought — he wasn’t ordained, isn’t a pastor, and has never been a “chaplain” before.

But as the search continued for a volunteer chaplain to serve the team, there were a number of barriers present for several of the other candidates, namely the issue of being able to commit to the time involved in serving as a team chaplain. As several candidates dropped off due to busyness, we re-opened the search and after consulting former chaplain, Kurt Trempert, Jason is one of the people that we encouraged to consider applying.

I love working with athletes and building relationships through the vehicle of sports. The position of chaplain for Switchbacks FC began to grow on me because of the combination of soccer and that opportunity for building relationships…

Jason, on his growing interest in the role of chaplain

Despite Jason not having served as a chaplain before, his work and service for some 20 years in education and his current role as Athletic Director for Colorado Springs Christian Schools came across to the interview team as a tremendous preparation point for serving as volunteer chaplain. In addition, Jason’s willingness to pursue a licensing and commission pathway with the Christian Missionary Alliance (CMA) and potential explore an institutional chaplaincy training program helped open the door of possibility for serving in this capacity.

Jason was also previously known to myself (Brad) and others at Soccer Chaplains United as he has led several mission teams to Quito, Ecuador. Born and raised in Quito with missionary parents, Jason has returned several times ,taking soccer gear through our Community Project programs in 2017, 2019, and 2022. Jason also has participated in the Soccer Chaplains United 2021 MLS Cup Watch Party and is a good friend of former chaplain Kurt Trempert.

Jason recently completed a Mental Performance Mastery Coach Certification. It’s part of his passion and gifting to help individuals in sport to achieve the best out of themselves. This, in addition, to several coaching certificates in soccer and certification as an Athletic Director, have positioned him to serve young people in sport for a long time.

My wife knows I love working with athletes, while mental performance coaching is different from chaplaincy, I imagine there is some overlap with helping athletes find and discover resources from within themselves, their faith history and backgrounds (if they have one), and from family and community to help them play, perform, and be well-rounded people.

Jason, on possible applications and translations of his mental performance coaching into chaplaincy

Jason has a professional proficiency in speaking Spanish that will help to serve his time with the athletes. In addition, as Jason serves as a volunteer chaplain there remains more opportunity to build the chaplain team serving the Switchbacks organization for the future.

We are excited to see the chaplaincy transition to Jason prior to the season start. We want to ask our supporters to pray for his work with the Switchbacks organization.

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.

Pflederer Begins Serving as Rapids Academy Chaplain

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For Ben Pflederer, soccer has always been a part of life. From playing at a strong youth club in his childhood, to joining the Vanderbilt University Men’s Club Soccer team during his college days, to today and continuing to play pick-up in and around Denver, soccer has been a joy and a passion.

For Ben, another passion has been ministry and understanding the call of God on his life leading him into exploring full-time ministry. Beginning with serving as a YoungLife group leader in Nashville, to serving with Ubuntu Sports Outreach in Cape Town, South Africa in the summer of 2010, and (now) as Youth Ministry Coordinator of Denver Presbyterian Church, Ben is continuing to explore all that God has in store for him.

Part of that journey has him currently completing a Master’s of Divinity at Denver Seminary.

Recently, Ben came to our attention when, after a Soccer Chaplains United Board Meeting, Vice-Chair Jeremy Tittle started sharing about a youth pastor at his church that might be a fit for the Rapids Academy vacancy.

I don’t know why I didn’t think of this earlier…but there’s a guy that plays pick-up soccer and he’s involved in the youth ministry at the church. He’s recently been promoted at the church and he’s in seminary…

Jeremy Tittle, with a dawning realization about Ben

Of course, I had to give Jeremy a hard time. “Why have you been holding out on us? You know we’ve been looking for an academy chaplain for over a year now!” I laughed.

Since that late October meeting and Jeremy’s realization that Ben might be a fit to serve with Soccer Chaplains United, we’ve undergone a process with Ben. A number of interviews, application and screening process, and now beginning an onboarding process while he balances school and work.

This position is a perfect combination of my greatest passions and experience: ministry, youth, mentoring, counseling, and soccer. I have recently learned more about Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in seminary and it has deeply sparked my interest in this particular form of ministry, especially outside of the formal church setting.

Ben Pflederer, on his interest in exploring and serving as academy chaplain

The Rapids academy is currently some 80+ players strong, spread over three age-group teams (U-14, U-15, and U-17). Of the 80 or so players, 40 of them are enrolled in the online schooling program hosted by the Rapids which allows the athletes to be on-site at the stadium to get in more training sessions as many of them strive to win a 1st team contract someday. 25 of those athletes are part of the “Homestay Program” which means their families live out of state and they are living with local families here in Colorado while they train, study, and play for the Rapids.

Ben’s work and role with begin with offering a weekly presence and our initial thoughts are to offer a weekly group study or time with looking at the Bible and other character and life-building types of issues made optional for athletes in the academy program. Additionally, Ben will serve as an extra layer of resource and support for the athletes and their families as they undergo the pressures of working to achieve the professional soccer dream.

While playing in an academy environment can mean a greater chance of successfully becoming a professional soccer player, it is estimated that currently less than 2% of NCAA athletes make it into the professional levels of their sport. Historically, the Colorado Rapids have signed 1 or 2 academy products to a next level contract (Rapids 2 or the official 1st Team), but it is still a difficult journey for many and few will see the reward of playing pro soccer at the end.

There are very few chaplains that are specific to MLS academies. Soccer Chaplains United was the first to place an academy chaplain with Rubèn Rodríguez in 2018. Currently, there are three academy specific chaplains with Ben’s placement. The other is Soccer Chaplains United’s Michael Kell with LAFC appointed in late 2022 and another sports ministry person in Saint Louis serving the MLS academy there. Ben now becomes the second chaplain in Colorado Rapids academy history.

More than anything these kids need care and need to know God’s care and desire to work in their lives. It is such a challenging and formative time for them and any bit I can do to help and guide them spiritually, emotionally, developmentally is such valuable and rewarding work. I can envision doing this position for many years and the joy of developing those relationships and the fruits God can bring.

Ben, on his future vision of the role

We are excited to welcome Ben to the team, and we’d ask our supporters to pray for his work amongst the Rapids academy athletes.

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.

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