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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.

Brad Kenney Guest on the You Matter To Christ Podcast

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I had the privilege of being interviewed by Chad Burmeister on the You Matter to Christ podcast which recently aired. The interview, about 30 min long, had me reflecting on a bit of my own journey as a chaplain and as a Christian. One of the most interesting questions that Chad asked me was, “What would the younger self say to my self today?” I usually have pondered this question in reverse and I felt like this was a great twist to a common way of reflecting. You’ll have to listen to the podcast to hear what I said!

You can hear the podcast here. It is also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and other listening apps, you can find it by searching YOU MATTER To Christ in your favorite app, or by clicking this link to Apple Podcasts or this link to Google Podcasts.

McDaniel to Lead Up West Coast

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Today, I am really pleased to announce the volunteer Tacoma Defiance chaplain, Jubal McDaniel, will become the West Coast Chaplaincy Manager for Soccer Chaplains United. The role will “officially” begin January 1, 2024, but in truth, Jubal has been doing the work for some time.

With the chaplain growth that we experienced in 2023 (8 chaplains and 40% growth), the importance of continuing to support our existing chaplains and continue to discover and develop new chaplains is leading to this new organizational structure augmentation. As “Chaplain Manager,” Jubal will be tasked to 1) support chaplains within the Pacific timezone and 2) work to discover and develop out new chaplains for new chaplain opportunities that arise.

Jubal joined Soccer Chaplains United three years ago (in late 2020). In that time, he has grown in the role serving the Defiance as well as with Soccer Chaplains United. Jubal has gone back to Liberty University to also grow in his professional development, taking on courses in chaplaincy and sports chaplaincy to grow in his understanding and work to serve the team and the Beautiful Game well. He finished a Master’s in Sports Chaplaincy earlier this May.

Mid-year, this year, I started to toy with the idea of having some “timezone” specific help. Interviewing candidates, inquiring about new opportunities and vacancies, and supporting existing chaplains for our growing ministry were all motivations behind the idea. Jubal was one of the first to raise his hand and I asked him to share more about his own thoughts behind diving in “deeper”:

I’m very encouraged by the growth of Soccer Chaplains United over the last 18 months. We have added a significant number of chaplains to our team, and continue to remain faithful to our common code of conduct, professional standards and the Lord. It is truly an honor and a blessing to have the opportunity to serve alongside Brad – by serving and caring for new and current chaplains.

Jubal, on seeing the growth and feeling called to become more involved

To offset the additional time and commitment, we are working to grow a stipend fund for the chaplain managers. But, for Jubal, it’s not so much been about funds or funding but seeing the value of the work and wanting to see the chaplaincy continue to grow.

It honestly makes me emotional to be serving in this way. I never dreamed I would be serving in professional soccer this way. Even when I joined SCU three years ago, I was amazed to simply have the opportunity to serve the Tacoma Defiance, but the Lord had another plan. Starting in Tacoma and now being able to serve the west coast is an incredible blessing! 

Jubal, on seeing the Lord grow and expand his own heart for the ministry

Jubal will work to raise additional support through Soccer Chaplains United. You can support his work by selecting Tacoma from the PushPay drop down fund. Visit our Donate page to have quick access to other links and learn where you might also mail checks in support of Jubal and his work in Tacoma and beyond.

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.

Trempert Sees Out 9 Years with Switchbacks

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Chaplain and Pastor, Kurt Trempert, is “hanging up the boots” of soccer chaplaincy after serving the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for the last nine seasons. Kurt, pastor of HarvestDowntown, is a leader in the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. This move comes as he accepts a bigger role in helping lead the church in the local district. The MidAmerica District of the C&MA covers a geographical region of five states, including Colorado. Kurt will take on a new role of Assistant to the District Superintendent, where he will work to help as a “3D (Discover, Develop, Deploy) Catalyst for Ministry Leadership.” I asked Kurt what he will miss most about leaving the Switchbacks chaplaincy,

I will miss the opportunity to be in the locker room with the lads as one who can be trusted with the highs and lows of sport and life. I have become close friends with the club president and will miss our conversations together. As a whole, this has been an incredible ministry experience that has given me influence in places like Ghanaian Footballers for Christ, players in Turkey, Cameroon, Canada, El Salvador, and all across the U.S. Along the way, I have been invited into difficult conversations and joyful ones.

Kurt, on leaving Switchbacks

Kurt began working with the Switchbacks in 2015. He was the first chaplain placement outside of Ben Dudley (Timbers) and the team working with the Colorado Rapids. Kurt joined while we were still known as CrossTraining Ministries. He was also our first chaplain placed in what, today, is known as the United Soccer League — Championship. USL-C represents the second division of professional soccer in the United States.

What a privilege it has been to journey with players into retirement (both forced and desired), as well meaningful conversations about marriage, abortion, and suicide. I have grown in compassion, kindness, and mercy with each relationship . Thanks Brad for inviting me into this incredible ministry, and I pray that the next chaplain with the Switchbacks will have even greater impact and experiences demonstrating and declaring the love of Jesus.

Kurt, on the privilege of serving the past 9 years

Kurt’s move to the MidAmerica District offices in Omaha, NE will leave a vacancy that Soccer Chaplains United is already looking to fill. While it will be tremendously difficult to find someone of Kurt’s personality and character, we look forward to the challenge.

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.

Briggsy Serving Sac Republic and now with Soccer Chaplains United

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Pastor Robert Briggs loves to share and talk — about football and, especially, about faith and the Gospel. A native of Glasgow, Scotland, Robert has a divine “gift of gab” and, even better, a way of simply sharing the Gospel with people — no matter what hat he happens to wear in a particular moment.

Robert (also known as “Briggsy”) is the longtime volunteer chaplain to Sacramento Republic FC. He has been serving the team as volunteer chaplain since 2014 when the club first started play and won its first-ever championship in the United Soccer League — Championship. USL-C is the second division of professional soccer in the U.S. Most recently, Sac Republic (as it is also known) competed in the 2022 US Open Cup to a second-place finish against Orlando City FC of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Robert and I first time together at a pre-season friendly match in February 2016

I first met Robert in February of 2016. The Colorado Rapids had a pre-season match scheduled to face Sacramento Republic. Robert and I made plans to be together for the game. I had learned of Robert and his role with the club as part of my work with Soccer Chaplains United — as we looked to start reaching out and placing chaplains with other clubs. He shared a brilliant story of becoming involved with the team.

I saw that a football team was coming to Sacramento so I reached out in an email and offered to be the club chaplain. I told them, ‘I don’t want anything and I’ll be strictly a volunteer…’ I didn’t hear back for awhile and then as the club got going, everything just happened so quickly. Here we are now, some 10 years later.

Robert on his beginnings with Sacramento Republic

That was in 2014. Robert has been with the club as they have navigated a difficult soccer landscape in the USA. With the club looking to join MLS since its inception. The club was awarded a franchise in 2019, but the COVID pandemic saw the, then owner, pull out of his financial commitment and MLS Commissioner Don Garber withdrew the invitation — much to the devastation of the very loyal fans of the team.

Robert attends the 2022 US Open Cup Final with daughters, Esther and Lois.
A highlight of his time with the club — runner’s up in the US Open Cup.

I asked Robert, what his hopes and dreams are for Sacramento Republic FC for the next 10 years,

I want to continue deepening my relationships with people at the club and continue speaking, somehow, into their lives. I want to see the Gospel come to bear in their hearts and lives. Too, looking the landscape of Sacramento and the club, I have a heart and vision to see the ministry expanded. We have great potential to serve the Spanish-speaking much better. It’s my desire to see many of the lads coming from South and Central America served and loved well. Oh, if God could just give me the gift of tongues immediately — Spanish, please!!

Robert on his hope and vision for serving Sacramento Republic for the next 10 years
Robert is a pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Sacramento, CA

Now, truth be told, I (Brad) have been after Robert for some time to join Soccer Chaplains United. Part of my initial visit in 2016 was to see if Robert might be a good fit and addition to our group. We immediately felt a kinship as we spent a couple days together around that preseason match. He’s told me for years, “Brad, I am with you…” but the busy Scot has been leading a church, getting a ThM and serving as chaplain all whilst being dad and grandad along the way.

More recently, this year, the Rapids had a US Open Cup match up in Sacramento against the team and I took the opportunity to travel out for the game and to spend time with Robert again. “Briggsy” has been part of our podcasts in the past and has joined in chaplain education calls during some of the difficult moments of the past few years, but we just needed to get across the finish line of some admin process — and it has happened! In the words of someone we both love dearly, “It is finished!” 🙂

Sacramento Republic FC have a storied history — from winning a championship in its first year of existence (2014), to a raucous fan base, to a 2022 US Open Cup second-place finish.

During the interview phase a couple weeks ago, a board member asked Robert, “Why now? Why join Soccer Chaplains United at this time?” To which, Robert answered, “Yes, it’s just taken me a bit of time to get here, but I am looking forward to being part of Soccer Chaplains United in a more formal way.” I asked Robert as we were getting some onboarding done, what he hopes to gain from Soccer Chaplains United and he shared,

I have been thinking about this and I have two hopes: first, to gain some encouragement from fellow brothers in the same trenches. I am treated so well by Republic and I’ve really enjoyed my time. There have been difficult moments, but I know that I need tone encouraged at moments and I can also be an encourager. Second thing is, I am learning what chaplaincy should be and could be…I think I do well enough bringing my pastoral skill set to the team, but I need to grow as a chaplain and I see myself with you (Brad) and the others, learning more about how I can serve and expand the vision and heart of the ministry to the team.

Robert, sharing about joining Soccer Chaplains United

Briggsy now brings Soccer Chaplains United to 28 chaplains. He is the first ever volunteer chaplain in the history of Sacramento Republic.

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.

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