General news and information about Soccer Chaplains United including newly formed partnerships, news on the different teams and communities being served, and upcoming events for donors, partners, and communities.
I am really excited about the upcoming 2nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity this October. The inaugural congress was held in 2016 in York, England at the University of Gloucestershire. I was able to be a presenter and participant in 2016. I gave a 20 minute presentation on Foundations of Pastoral Care: Recovering the Spirit of Chaplaincy in Sport. And before the congress, the paper was accepted for publication in Practical Theology.
2016 and the congress were significant for another reason, though — it was through some conversations borne out of my time there that God impressed upon me that the time had come to put the CrossTraining name to rest. Thus began the journey of creating our current organizational name of Soccer Chaplains United.
Now, three years later, I am excited to return back to this latest expression of the Congress. It will be held at Calvin College in Michigan, October 23-27. I have already entered one abstract for presentation along the lines of a theological construct for chaplaincy. I am also working to develop another presentation with sports chaplaincy and counseling themes intertwined.
I am praying that we will be able to help subsidize the cost of our chaplains and counselors that are available to go and attend, as it is an extremely formative and sharpening time.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Screen-Shot-2019-02-28-at-4.36.28-PM.png3041041Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-02-21 16:19:142024-03-04 12:28:032nd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity
Last week, the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve Matthew Adams to the board. Matthew is VP, Senior Tax Counsel at Cloud Peak Energy and a member of the Department of the Interior Royalty Policy Committee. Originally from Iowa, Matthew grew up playing soccer and he is passionate about leadership and strategic development. An assistant coach at Valor Christian High School, Matthew has had two sons in the program, which is how Matthew and I met.
As I became involved with the Valor Christian soccer program as a coach, I was tremendously impressed with the cultural impact that Rev. had on the coaches and players alike. His modeling and support of Christian values as players deal with success, challenges and personal growth is invaluable to the entire community.
Matthew’s passions and gifts toward developing mid-range and long-range strategy is an important gift and asset to bring to the board of Soccer Chaplains United, especially at this time. As we have completed, now, one year of moving forward with our new name and rebrand we will need to begin to strategically think through the different opportunities that lie before us in terms of development and potential growth. Among some of the key developments and learnings that will need strategical thinking and planning hit amongst our three expressions, namely:
Chaplaincy — we are the only organization looking to provide chaplains at all levels of the sport. Especially, in the areas of the youth game and at the collegiate level this will require strategic plan development and roll out.
Counseling — we are the only sports organization or ministry group that is coupling chaplaincy and counseling. As a pioneering work, there has been difficulty in gaining traction, but we are beginning to get through some early development stages.
Community — as our footprint across soccer grows, we know that we will become aware of more need and more opportunities. Developing a robust community service plan will be key for the future.
I am honored to join this group of exceptional men and women in pursuit of increasing the impact of SCU. I look forward to helping shape and implement our growth initiatives as we enable players and coaches to utilize their personal strengths and faith to raise their professional skills to greater heights. I strongly believe that by enabling and supporting pastoral and counseling support services through the great sport of soccer, we are building and strengthing entire communities in a unique and positive way.
Matthew is a graduate of Drake University and holds a Masters and Doctor of Law from the University of Denver. He is an expert in tax law and different issues surrounding compliance and regulatory issues.
Matthew’s appointment now brings the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors back up to seven individuals, following Jack Ballou’s non-renewal.
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, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work.
I am excited by our latest project that we’ve just completed — an introductory video that describes Soccer Chaplains United. Many times, people ask, “What do you do?” In some ways, to simply describe (or try to explain) chaplaincy doesn’t quite convey the breadth of our approach with Soccer Chaplains United. This new video is a wonderful description of the three different expressions or extensions of Soccer Chaplains United.
Our video below details the different work that Soccer Chaplains United does around the sport of soccer.
Chaplaincy — this is our primary work. We serve as chaplains to the soccer teams and organizations at various levels of the game. Our chaplaincy is about offering pastoral/spiritual care — and we serve everyone (whether they identify with a particular faith or no faith, at all). Our Christian chaplains sign a code of conduct and will often times advocate or connect people of other faith traditions into their faith community or resources.
Counseling — this is an important piece to our work of providing care that is holistic. Trained counselors have different skill sets and training that is often needed for the athletes, coaches, staff, and families within the sport of soccer. Counselors work on sliding scales and are able to utilize a counseling subsidy to remove the financial barriers to counseling. Our counselors and chaplains are connected to each other in order to best make handoffs and referrals and address the needs within the teams and communities that we serve.
Community — the global stage of soccer (fútbol, football, etc.) in many ways is a “leveler.” People in the game come from diverse backgrounds and different cultures and languages. Our community initiatives are a way for the wealthier and more resourced to give to those who are impoverished and in need. Our community projects help distribute soccer gear and equipment to help aid mission and relief work locally and around the world.
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, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SCU-Intro-Video-Screen-Shot.png456886Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-02-12 10:45:502019-02-12 10:46:17New Soccer Chaplains United Introduction Video
It is my privilege to announce Brooke Ewert as the new Director of Counseling for Soccer Chaplains United. Brooke has been with Soccer Chaplains United for over two years, serving with the different needs in the Denver, CO area. With our expanded view to grow the counseling network for Soccer Chaplains United, this represents a major step toward insuring that the development of the counseling can move at a similar pace as the chaplaincy side of things.
I am excited to take on this new role with SCU. I believe there is a great need for mental health counseling within the soccer community. I look forward to aligning these two critical ministries within SCU.
As Director, Brooke will be responsible to help on the discovery and development of the network and speak into some of the organizational and structural pieces for the counseling. Namely, the sliding scale structure for fees and the counseling subsidy that is for the people who can least afford counseling.
Brooke will also prioritize the cities and teams where a strong chaplaincy presence for Soccer Chaplains United already exists. Many of whom, already have some local relationships with counselors and make referrals, but the goal will be to develop a more formal relationship between chaplains and counselors to address the many critical issues facing people within the soccer community.
We are already beginning to work with various chaplains throughout the county to help them to identify Christian counselors who are familiar and understand the mental health issues that affect athletes. We are currently working with chaplains in Portland, Charlotte, and Nashville to put in place a counselor to come alongside of them and to help identify athletes who need mental health support.
I do think that in the future we will need to discern whether a spin off organization will better suit the development and unique needs for the counselors in this space, but for now it is important to continue linking the chaplains and counselors together. And Soccer Chaplains United is one of the only sports organizations that is doing this pioneering work!
Over the past two years, I have become more convinced that chaplains and counselors are necessary partners. The strategic objective is to train up our chaplains to early identify mental health needs and to have a local sports counselor available to assist.
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, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Brooke-Ewert-Dir-of-Counseling.png510754Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-02-11 09:00:142019-02-11 09:33:03New Director of Counseling Announced
We have been blessed by this past year and look forward to the upcoming year of ministry and service. If there are any questions about the annual report and you are a donor or partner church, please contact me at brad@soccerchaplainsunited.org. We view you as our “shareholders” in this important work and area always working to address issues of transparency and accountability in the spaces where we work and serve.
This is not an easy job, either. We have been deeply entrusted in the places where we serve and amongst a culture that is highly skeptical of religion and religious expressions. You will not find language about “souls saved” or conversions, etc. that you might find amongst other organizations. Partly, because our view and approach of chaplaincy is vastly different from those types of sports ministry organizations that you might be more familiar with. Partly, because our care and concern is for the whole person — no matter how they self-identify.
Please humbly accept report above as our condensed version of sharing the past year’s work and activity and our future vision and direction as we seek to serve in the best ways possible.
United by a common code and a shared vision to provide spiritual care, wise counsel, and meaningful service for soccer.
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, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/SCU_Rounded_logo.png627630Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-02-08 10:30:462019-02-11 09:31:44Soccer Chaplains United 2018 Annual Report
Jack Ballou has been one of the longstanding board members for Soccer Chaplains United. Beginning his service in 2015, Jack has served through the transition from CrossTraining to Soccer Chaplains United and has been largely responsible for helping the organization set its financial policies and procedures into place. In addition to helping create the existing structure, he has helped oversee the expanding book-keeping needs and the addition of a part-time book-keeper.
At the end of his second, two-year term Jack expressed his desire to step away from the board of directors, but continue to serve as a CPA for Soccer Chaplains United. He will continue to be involved to insure a smooth hand off is made to the next board member who might step more fully into the Treasurer role.
On behalf of Soccer Chaplains United and the Board of Directors, we are extremely grateful to Jack for his years of service and we look forward to continuing to have his wisdom and experience at hand in this new form.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/jackballou.jpg150150Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-02-01 12:00:132019-02-05 11:59:37Ballou Doesn’t Renew, Commits to Help as CPA
Over a year ago, sitting across the table at Crema coffee shop in Nashville, TN, I was visiting with Ryan Doyle. I could sense his enthusiasm for the sport of soccer. A pastor of a church plant and soccer coach of 18 years, we discussed the upcoming opportunity with the pro team coming to town. Ryan has a passion for the game, but more so, a passion for people.
As we talked about soccer and chaplaincy in the weeks to follow via email, I made a casual comment. Soccer Chaplains United isn’t just about the pro game — we’re looking to get chaplains at all levels of the sport. That mention started to gain momentum as Ryan and I discussed potential chaplaincy with Christ Presbyterian Academy, a private, coeducational, college-preparatory school for grades preschool through 12. CPA seeks to provide transformational education through a Christian worldview and is a ministry of Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Doyle family back in spring of 2016
Ryan has served as both a head coach and as an assistant coach in soccer with CPA since 2001, and leapt at the opportunity to create such a program at CPA. His main work is as pastor of Mercy Presbyterian, a PCA church plant of the Nashville Presbytery. He will begin this spring to transition more into a role of chaplain with the CPA Boys Soccer Team.
“I have loved soccer and been around the game as a player and a coach since age 5. However, beyond love of the game, what has always been the central focus of my coaching has been the opportunity to build relationships, disciple young men, and care for families in the program, through the vehicle of the beautiful game of soccer. Our team motto is ‘Love God, Love the Brothers, Love the Game’.
Ryan earned his Master of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. He is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry at Covenant. He also serves as Adjunct Faculty at New College Franklin, teaching Biblical Greek and Theology. Before working in church planting, Ryan served as Assistant Pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church and as Instructor of Bible/ Worship Leader at Christ Presbyterian Academy. Ryan and his wife Lindsey have six children the youngest three from Uganda and China. Ryan and Lindsey are passionate about discipleship, worship, adoption, and local and global mission, leading trips to Uganda and Belize every year. They see no greater gift than to serve others for Christ.
This chaplaincy creates a more formal and distinct structure from within which to minister to our players and families in such a manner. I am deeply grateful for the partnership with Soccer Chaplains United in leading men along the path as we all follow the Good Shepherd.
Ryan and CPA are now the second high school being served by Soccer Chaplains United. Ryan’s appointment now brings the number of chaplains to 14. We look forward to seeing God grow the chaplaincy work with CPA through Ryan. You can learn more about Ryan on his bio page here.
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, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Doyle-Headshot.jpg1114953Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-01-22 08:00:092019-01-21 16:41:08Announcing New Chaplain for Christ Presbyterian Academy
I am pleased to announce that new for the 2019 season, Christina Garber, has been approved as candidate to serve as chaplain to one of the most storied teams in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the Portland Thorns FC. Christina is on staff with Cru City and works with college and young professionals in Portland as well as various non-profit organizations to see the city of Portland flourish. Christina talked about some of the challenges facing the young people she works with,
Some of the most influential years for a young person can be the 20’s and early 30’s. They are figuring out who they are, and what it is that they stand for in life. The decisions they make during this time frame are arguably some of the most crucial in regards to the trajectory of their professional, social, emotional and spiritual life.
Christina’s placement is the result of a multi-faceted cooperation between Cru City, Soccer Chaplains United and the coordinator for the NWSL chaplains, Lori Krueger. Lori commented on Christina’s ,
Christina’s heart and vision to reach Portland really impressed me, when I met her. I think she will be a great fit working with the Thorns. She has a tremendous gift of hospitality that I personally know will have a huge impact and ministry to this community.
When I asked Christina about her vision and hope for beginning this work with the Thorns, she shared,
The Thorns are highly revered, and influential in shaping culture here in Portland. It is an honor to come alongside and serve these young professional women as they navigate who they are, and the influence they have on Portland and the culture within the worldwide soccer community.
Christina, and her role with the Thorns, will be supported locally by Portland Timbers Chaplains Ben Dudley and Troy Ready. Ben shared his thoughts on Christina,
We are very excited to welcome Christina to the Portland team! Her ministry experience has prepared her for this role and we are confident in her ability to make meaningful connections with the Thorns.
You can learn more about Christina on her biography page. As Christina joins Soccer Chaplains United, she brings the number of chaplains currently serving to 13 chaplains and the Portland Thorns FC becomes the 1st NWSL team being served by 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, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1024px-Portland_Thorns_FC_logo.svg_.png10241024Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-01-21 10:00:472019-01-21 09:49:54Announcing Chaplain for the Portland Thorns FC
The start for 2019 is off to a fast and furious pace, with the panel that I was able to be part of just a few days into the new year. The annual, United Soccer Coaches convention was the occasion for me to be share insights as a Major League Soccer chaplain on a panel dealing with the topic of character. The panel was comprised of a few other members that I’ve come to know throughout the years including Ben Dudley (representing Positive Coaching Alliance), Adam Smith (Head Coach of USL-Championship side Fresno FC), Caroline Stanley (Coach at University of Tulsa), and moderated by Jordan Angeli (Broadcaster and commentator with the Rapids).
Adam Smith, Ben Dudley, Caroline Stanley, myself, and Jordan Angeli (left to right) pose for a picture before the panel begins.
There were, by some accounts, a little over 100 coaches in the room for our panel. The bulk of the room was made up of youth and collegiate coaches, with a scattering of others in different roles. Once the introductions were done, we dove into questions for each of the panelists — including defining character and also presenting some situational moments for those attending to think through. There were also some great Q&A as several coaches asked about how to implement character and build up resiliency with their players.
Even through there was familiarity amongst the panelists, there was a little room for debate and disagreement. In particular, I responded strongly to Ben’s statement that sports build character. I stated a strong case for sports revealing character, not necessarily building character — that the processing and shaping of character coming as parents, coaches, chaplains, etc. help an athlete understand their sports experiences.
Caroline Stanley (center) shares some of how she creates character-shaping moments as a coach at the collegiate level.
While most have asked, “How did the panel go?” my main hope is that we (Soccer Chaplains United) have shown well in this first panel. Hopefully, more discussion on the subject of character will continue in the years to come. Character is a critical issue whether examining the sport of soccer from a Christian or non-Christian worldview, whether secular or religious, as well.
I had a couple of Christian coaches come up to me after the session saying,
Thank you, I have always struggled with integrating my faith and my coaching in a positive way that won’t turn people off or call me into question.
I certainly, too, tried to make a case for coaches to consider utilizing chaplains or counselors as part of the team surrounding the team. It will remain to be seen if there are future opportunities for us to grow or if we will need to have a place at the table a little while longer. At any rate, we’ve begun and perhaps God will allow us to continue. There is a longer and deeper conversation to be had surrounding the topic of character.
In the United Soccer Coaches charter, character is stated to come first. But as you can see from the image below, charters and values are difficult to not only message, but also to live out. In some ways, our room ought to have been filled to overflowing because even on a basic level, many coaches in the game are faced with the tremendous issues of character amongst their athletes and staff.
Special thanks to those encouraging and supporting us to be part of this year’s convention. We look forward to seeing what opportunities, God creates for us going forward.
Above, looking down into the South Park valley in Colorado at the 2014 retreat. Soccer Chaplains United will be retreating near here for this year.
I am excited as next week, myself and team members of Soccer Chaplains United will get away for a retreat up in the mountains of Colorado. November 9, 10, and 11 — the weekend that I am tempted to call something clever like The Founder’s Retreat or Founder’s Weekend may become an annual retreat for our team. (Not me as founder, but St Martin of Tours, the founder of chaplaincy).
St Martin of Tours’ Feast Day is November 11, a fitting time for Soccer Chaplains United to get away for a time of rest, renewal, and reflection
We’ve got chaplains, counselors, and community coordinators that will be taking part in this important time of spiritual renewal as we complete a busy season of ministry and look forward to another year of serving people within the sport of soccer.
Don’t ask me if I’ve got things planned out, yet! Gulp! But I have been up the mountain before and seen the ways in which God meets his people and refreshes his servants.
The opportunity for retreat has been a gift from one of our supporters who is allowing us the use of their mountain home. This will be first “team-only” retreat for Soccer Chaplains United, and even going back into our historical days of CrossTraining, I think we’ve always had a mix of team and board. The truth is that we’ve grown too much! We can’t have both at the same time with our current resources and connections (maybe you know someone that can donate a bigger retreat space to us in the future).
I have begun putting a bit of things together just to mark our time, but I am wary — often, the Holy Spirit wants to do more or different and I’ve learned to simply just try to create space.
Please pray for our group.
Pray that we listen — to God and one another.
Pray that we hear — from God and one another.
Pray that we are replenished and renewed.
Pray for us while we are on retreat.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2014-retreat.jpg14401920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2018-11-02 06:00:152024-03-04 12:28:33Soccer Chaplains United Team Retreat 1 Week Away
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