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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.

Eliason Doesn’t Renew with Board; Finishes 8 years of Service

When Geoff Eliason joined the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors in 2017, he immediately brought a new sense of energy to the Board of Directors. The former strength and conditioning coach for the Indiana University Men’s Soccer team, had worked with several players (including the Colorado Rapids own, Drew Moor). Geoff’s experience in the financial marketplace, also brought a different network of potential people to help support, coach, and guide Soccer Chaplains United as an organization.

Geoff’s contributions include helping bring his brother (Travis) onto the board, introducing Matt Kaufman as a potential board member, helping to secure several large-gift donations, and serving as a patron for supplying a bulk quantity of soccer devotionals to Front Range Christian School’s soccer programs during 2022.

Geoff Eliason shares during the 2017 rebranding party of Soccer Chaplains United

Geoff elected to not renew for another three-year term as an opportunity has arisen with USA Weightlifting’s Foundation to participate in leading up to the next Olympic cycle. As a former Olympic weightlifter, Geoff is looking forward to utilizing his gifts and talents in this direction.

I look forward to continuing to look for where the Lord is working around me specific to SCU and join Him in that work.  Thanks for including me in God’s story woven throughout SCU. 

Geoff, on his time with Soccer Chaplains United

We are grateful to Geoff for his time of service and we wish him well as he pursues new, next endeavors!

If you would like to learn more about Soccer Chaplains United and opportunities to serve on our Board of Directors, please send an email to info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

Soccer Chaplains United is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies on the generous support of individual donors and church partners to carry out its work of chaplaincy in soccer. You can give a safe, secure, electronic, tax-deductible gift via PushPay by clicking the button below or by texting soccerchaplains to 77977. You can also mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

Moore Makes Final Transition Away From Serving New Mexico United

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Soccer Chaplains United announces that Clint Moore will take the final steps away from his role as chaplain to New Mexico United and concluding his service with the organization. Clint has been a key figure in the team’s spiritual care since 2019, initially serving informally and unofficially, and then moving into the volunteer role more fully from 2021-2023. A change into a different workplace meant less time to give to the chaplaincy in 2023, but now he will transition off to focus more fully on his work and family.

Clint’s journey with Soccer Chaplains United began nearly seven years ago when New Mexico United, the professional soccer team based in Albuquerque, was announced as an expansion franchise in the USL Championship. From the outset, Clint felt called to be involved with the team and serve the city of Albuquerque through this new professional sports platform. Having a strong passion for missions and community, Clint began praying about how best to connect his pastoral role with the soccer community.

“NM United is a special club. Being able to connect with players, coaches, and front office across the years has been a special blessing and joy to me,” said Clint. “It’s meant walking through life’s challenges off the pitch and behind the scenes. It’s meant integrating God’s truth through the dynamics of professional sport, and it’s meant helping players arrive well in ABQ and leave well to the next chapter.”

After reaching out to his network of pastors and connections within the soccer world, Clint was introduced to Soccer Chaplains United founder, Brad Kenney. Through a mutual connection with former Colorado Rapids player Mike Graczyk, who was involved with the University of New Mexico’s soccer program, Clint was invited to explore the possibility of partnering with Soccer Chaplains United to officially serve as chaplain to New Mexico United.

Clint’s informal chaplaincy work with New Mexico United began during a time of global uncertainty, including the COVID-19 pandemic, when his availability to the team was more flexible. While serving in a voluntary capacity, Clint became a trusted figure within the team, providing emotional and spiritual support to players and staff.

During this time, Clint’s heart for mission and service resonated strongly with the players, coaches, and staff at New Mexico United. His approach was simple: to serve the team without being a distraction, always offering help to those who sought it. This laid-back yet caring approach proved effective, and as the team’s need for more formal spiritual care grew, Clint stepped more fully into the role.

“We’ve been blessed to have Clint part of our team and aiming for continuity of service these many years,” said Soccer Chaplains United Executive Director, Brad Kenney. “Clint has been an invaluable asset to New Mexico United and to our chaplaincy team. His heart for the city of Albuquerque and for the soccer community has shone through in everything he’s done.”

Moving forward, Clint will continue to focus on his work at Sandia Labs and his family. He has been teaching part-time at Oak Grove Classical Academy, where he is a Leadership Formations Teacher.

“I’m sad to see this chapter of ministry end, but I’m hopeful (and committed to helping) SCU find a chaplain for NM United,” Clint reiterated. “I’m eager to focus on my current job and discipling my family, especially as my sons look to finish up their last two years of high school.”

As Soccer Chaplains United looks ahead, they remain committed to regrowing the chaplaincy team serving New Mexico 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 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.

Madzima Moving On From the Uniteds to Focus on Desert Springs

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Soccer Chaplains United announces that Tate Madzima will be stepping down from his role as co-chaplain for New Mexico United, at the end of this season. Tate’s decision comes as his growing responsibilities at Desert Springs Church in Albuquerque, where he serves as the Children and Families Pastor, require more of his time and focus.

Tate joined Soccer Chaplains United in 2022, bringing with him a unique set of skills and a deep passion for both ministry and soccer. His background, having grown up in Harare, Zimbabwe, combined with his experience as a pastor and his love for the sport, made him a valuable addition to the chaplaincy team. Through his work with New Mexico United, Tate served the team by providing spiritual care, pastoral counseling, and mentorship to players, coaches, and staff.

“Serving as chaplain for New Mexico United has been a unique opportunity— to connect with the players and the soccer-loving community of Albuquerque,” Tate said. “It has been a blessing doing that as part of Soccer Chaplains United because of the support from like-minded men and women working as chaplains in other cities with other teams. It’s an amazing network and brotherhood that continues to serve the people of soccer as they move from city to city.”

Tate’s journey into chaplaincy began years ago when he moved to the United States in 2004 to attend the University of North Texas. As a student, Tate felt a strong calling to ministry, which led him to seminary and ultimately to full-time pastoral work. He also served at The Village Church during his time in college. His connection with Soccer Chaplains United came through Clint Moore, who reached out to Tate as the chaplaincy role for New Mexico United was expanding.

Tate’s appointment as co-chaplain for the professional soccer team added to the growing roster of chaplains within Soccer Chaplains United. As the chaplain for New Mexico United, Tate’s role was to provide emotional and spiritual support, leveraging his ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. His international upbringing and experience balancing family and ministry life resonated deeply with the players.

However, as Tate’s ministry responsibilities at Desert Springs Church have expanded, particularly in his role overseeing children and family programs, he has found it increasingly difficult to balance the demands of both commitments. After much prayer and consideration, Tate has decided to step away from his chaplaincy duties with New Mexico United in order to dedicate more time to his family and the ministry at Desert Springs.

Tate’s departure marks a shift for Soccer Chaplains United, but the organization remains committed to finding the next volunteer chaplain to serve the athletes and staff at New Mexico United.

“Tate’s contributions to Soccer Chaplains United and New Mexico United have been invaluable, and we pray God continues to bless him as he continues to serve at Desert Springs,” said Soccer Chaplains United Executive Director, Brad Kenney. “We are grateful for his time with us and excited to see how God will continue to work in and through him as he focuses on his calling in ministry.”

We thank Tate for his service to New Mexico United and dedication to 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 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.

Medas Transitioning to Chief Administration Officer at Soccer Chaplains United

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Soccer Chaplains United is excited to announce that Jordan Medas is transitioning from his role as East Coast Chaplain Manager to a new position as Chief Administration Officer (CAO). In his expanded role, Jordan will oversee the onboarding and certification of new chaplains, manage educational equivalencies and training development, and contribute to enhancing the organization’s digital presence, including the website and social media channels.

Jordan has been a vital member of the Soccer Chaplains United team, bringing a passion for both ministry and soccer to his work. As the East Coast Chaplain Manager, he played a key role in supporting chaplains across the U.S., providing spiritual care to soccer players, coaches, and staff at various levels. His deep understanding of chaplaincy, coupled with his leadership experience, made him an ideal candidate for this new role.

In his capacity as CAO, Jordan will focus on streamlining the process of bringing new chaplains into the organization, ensuring they are properly trained and equipped to serve the soccer community. He will also develop and oversee educational programs to maintain high standards of chaplaincy and ensure the ongoing professional development of Soccer Chaplains United’s chaplain corps.

“I’m excited for this new chapter with Soccer Chaplains United,” said Jordan. “I’m looking forward to continuing to support the growth of the organization and helping to equip chaplains who can have a lasting impact in the soccer world.”

Jordan’s transition to CAO marks an important step in Soccer Chaplains United’s ongoing mission to provide spiritual care and support to athletes and teams across the nation.

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.

Wells Thompson Joins the Board of Directors

Soccer Chaplains United is pleased to announce that Wells Thompson, former professional soccer player, has joined its Board of Directors. Thompson brings a wealth of experience from both the soccer world and the business sector, as well as a passion for service and community engagement, making him an invaluable addition to the organization.

Thompson, a former midfielder who played for several Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, including the New England Revolution and Colorado Rapids, has long been an advocate for the power of sport to impact lives. Throughout his career, he demonstrated leadership both on and off the field, and he remains deeply connected to the soccer community through his work as an entrepreneur and mentor.

“I’m beyond grateful to join the board of Soccer Chaplains United,” Thompson said. “Their work isn’t just important—it’s personal. I’ve experienced how their spiritual care can change a life because it changed mine. Soccer has this beautiful way of connecting people, and what Soccer Chaplains United does goes so much deeper. They show up for players, coaches, and staff in ways that matter, not just for the game, but for life. I’m excited to give back and be part of something that truly makes a difference.”

As a member of the Board of Directors, Thompson will help guide Soccer Chaplains United as it continues to expand its mission of providing spiritual care and support to soccer players and staff across the U.S and beyond. Through partnerships with teams in various leagues, Soccer Chaplains United is committed to supporting the well-being of athletes both on and off the field.

“We’re thrilled to have Wells join our team,” said the organization’s Executive Director, Brad Kenney. “His background in professional soccer, along with his heart for service, will be instrumental as we continue to grow and serve the soccer community.”

Thompson’s appointment to the Board of Directors is a significant step forward for Soccer Chaplains United as it seeks to broaden its impact in the world of soccer. Well’s appointment sees the Board grow to eight with room, still to grow.

Olavarrías Out of Omaha and On Towards God’s Providencia

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It’s always great to go out on top! And while we always knew that Felipe Olavarría would one day leave the US to return to his native Chile, we just didn’t think it would be this soon! Felipe joined Soccer Chaplains United late last year and had begun meeting with and serving the coaches, staff, and athletes of the United Soccer League — League One team, Union Omaha. The team won the League One championship this past Sunday, the second time in it’s history to win the top of the league and Felipe’s first full season with the team.

Felipe came to us on the recommendation of Kurt Trempert (former Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC volunteer chaplain for 9 years) and we were excited and pleased to see the continued growth of our volunteer chaplain group. However, Felipe and wife Taya, have always known that their road would lead back to Chile—but God sped up the timeline this year.

Felipe has been serving as an Associate Pastor at Millard Alliance and recently completed a degree program at Crown College. He will retain his CMA pastoral ordination, but will now be a missionary through Mission Quest with Millard Alliance, Omaha becoming the family’s sending church. Felipe will be planting in Santiago’s capital borough of Providencia. You can support their work to plant by clicking this link here to go to their Mission Quest support page.

It has been one of my greatest joys to serve Union Omaha and to be supported by Soccer Chaplains United. It truly has been life-giving.

Felipe, on his time with Soccer Chaplains United

We pray God’s grace and strength as the Felipe pursues God’s continued call on his life and ministry. With great love and affection we say God bless and God speed! Please pray as we look for Felipe’s replacement with Union Omaha.

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.

Dudley Leaves Soccer Chaplains United to ‘Do-Right’ by Free Guitars for Kids

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For 14 years, Ben Dudley has served as the co-volunteer chaplain for the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer. And for the past two years, he’s had the amazing privilege of leading the vision and work of the non-profit Free Guitars for Kids (FG4K). His love of soccer and passion for music were, at one-time, on a level playing field—but no longer. Ben is hanging up the “boots” to more fully “pick” the guitar for the national non-profit.

Serving as chaplain for the Timbers has been one of the greatest honors of my life, a journey filled with purpose and connection. Now, with Free Guitars 4 Kids, I have the opportunity to impact young lives in a whole new way. Giving kids a guitar isn’t just about an instrument; it’s about hope, expression, and empowerment. This work allows me to reach kids who may have never had the chance to explore music and creativity otherwise, and that mission has become a calling I can’t ignore. While I’ll always cherish my time with the Timbers, I’m excited to devote my energy to helping these kinds find their voice through music.

Ben, on his volunteer chaplaincy service of 14 seasons and on the emerging work of Free Guitars for Kids

My relationship with Ben goes back beyond his start with the Timbers. I still remember the phone call as he was driving a U-Haul truck from Waco, Texas to Portland, OR. “Hey, I’m going to be working in Portland and I’m interested in serving as the chaplain to the soccer team there. What could that look like?” The Timbers at the time (2010) were in the A-League with plans to join MLS in 2011 as an expansion team. A year later, Ben and I were together in Toronto for the MLS Cup Final and the pathway to start working with the team had formed.

Ben and I sit in the freezing cold for the 2010 MLS Cup Final

Back then, Soccer Chaplains United was known as CrossTraining Ministries. I owe a lot to Ben in the formation and work of seeing Soccer Chaplains United come into existence. In 2012, Ben expressed need and desire to see the non-profit grow to potentially support better raising funds. The work began to form and establish a 501(c)3 nonprofit but a political snafu held up the determination and Ben move into another role but continued to work as the volunteer chaplain. In 2013, former Timber player, Troy Ready, joined as co-volunteer chaplain and the two kept close ties with me and were watching the growth and change which came exponentially as I left church staff in 2015. In 2017, Ben and Troy, re-joined the newly re-branded Soccer Chaplains United as the non-profit began a new chapter.

In 14 seasons of serving the Portland Timbers organization, there are likely a number of highlights and memories to look back on. And certainly, Ben and Troy were both proud of the Timbers MLS Cup win in 2015 and being in the final as well in 2018 and 2021. With Ben serving the club, I’ve made it a point to try and get to Portland every few years to encourage and support Ben and his family and the work being done and it’s led to many great memories and times shared.

Ben Dudley (second from left) and I put together a panel on Character in Youth Sports for the 2019 United Soccer Coaches Convention

Helping Brad shape Soccer Chaplains United from its early “Cross-Training” days was an adventure! We spent countless hours dreaming up what SCU could be, fueled by faith and probably way too much coffee. It’s been incredible to watch Brad take the vision and run with it, growing SCU into something beyond what I had ever imagined. I’m really proud of Brad and his leadership and commitment to holistic chaplain development and support.

Ben, on his favorite Timbers memory and favorite Brad memory

It’s with a mix of joy and sadness that we say goodbye to the one of the longest tenured volunteer chaplains in our history and one that has been at the front of helping Soccer Chaplains United grow into the group that it is today. We wish Ben and his family well into this next stage and chapter of life and vocational calling!

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.

ColoradoGives Early Giving Begins Today!

For the past few years, Soccer Chaplains United has participated in ColoradoGives Day. ColoradoGives Day is part of the ColoradoGives program sponsored by Community First Foundation. Through ColoradoGives.org donors and philanthropic-minded people can support local, Colorado-based non-profits that meet certain criteria. Those nonprofits are then eligible to receive a portion of an incentive fund that adds to the donation total.

Early giving begins today which means that all donations made through ColoradoGives.org will be counted toward our December 10 efforts. Additionally, the corporate match challenge and other prize-winning

Check out our ColoradoGives Page

This Year’s Goal? $7, 500

Last year, we raised just over $5, 000. This year, we are hoping to see that number increase. Because of the number of chaplain placements we’ve made this year, we’re behind by nearly $15,000 so we’re looking to raise nearly half of that deficit during this next season to begin covering the gap.

Soccer Chaplains United is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which relies on the generous support of individual donors and church partners to carry out its work of chaplaincy in soccer. 

Thank You For Considering a Gift!

Beside using the ColoradoGives.org site (2% fees) donors can also give a safe, secure, electronic, tax-deductible gift via PushPay by clicking the button below or by texting soccerchaplains to 77977. PushPay charges flat rate fees of 1, 2, and 3% based on ACH, Debit and Credit donation forms respectively. Donors can also mail donations made out to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

Brown Brings his Story to New Chaplaincy with Nashville Academy

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Malcom Brown‘s journey toward vocational ministry began with a specific word: “chaplaincy.” In a season of discernment, Malcom strongly felt God calling him to this specific form of Christian ministry but wasn’t sure what it might end up looking like. Then, earlier this year, the Vanderbilt University Master of Divinity student was approached by a church member who shared with him about Soccer Chaplains United.

I remember…my surprise! While I have a heart for chaplaincy, I recognize that there is much to continue learning about the varied places that the work is going forth. As Desmond shared more with me about the academy context, the challenges that players and families encounter, I was excited to stand in the gap with them and see what God would accomplish in this space.

Malcom, on the connection a church member made

Desmond Armstrong, a former US Olympian, World Cup Veteran, and National Hall of Fame soccer star had had a number of meetings with Nashville SC chaplain Greg Joiner, as well as with me. As Desmond got to know the organization better and understood our search for a volunteer chaplain to serve the club’s academy, Malcom came to mind.

Malcolm and I immediately connected at a Super Bowl gathering at a church members house. We were the only two rooting for the same team against the rest of the house. After that bonding event, we started to meet up once a week and talk about life and scripture. Malcolm possessed a maturity and grasp of the scriptures that belies his age. Really, his dependence on the Holy Spirit for direction caught my attention and respect. Through conversation, he spoke of his pursuit of the office of chaplain. The timing was such that I immediately recommended him to the team in Nashville.

Desmond, on what he saw and whatt prompted him to recommend Malcom to Soccer Chaplains United

Growing up as young man in Washington state, Malcom Brown, loved tennis. An aspiring athlete with college tennis about to become a realized dream, that dream came crashing down when the college scholarship was pulled. The pain of that moment led to a journey of diving deeper and realizing that he needed to better develop his own personal resources of faith for such unexpected moments of life. After graduating from a number of years in the work force, Malcom began to sense that God’s call on his life was leading him into pursuing chaplaincy.

Part of Malcom’s passion centers on helping young people develop those critical resources of faith for the tests and trials that life has us go through.

I have a ‘vested’ interest, but I want the academy athletes to know that my interest isn’t in any way tied to their athletic performance. My desire is to hold space for them to talk and open up. I pray that I am able to come alongside of them in a way that maybe a coach, a parent, or someone else cannot. I hope that by seeing and experiencing me as a chaplain will help to remind them that God sees, loves, and cares for them.

Malcom, on his approach toward athletes

Malcom is currently a graduate student at Vanderbilt University and serves at Proclamation Church. He is licensed by the International Ministerial Fellowship and is in the process of joining the Army Reserve Chaplain Candidate program. He completed his first unit of CPE at St. Thomas Ascension Hospital.

We are excited to have Malcom join the Soccer Chaplains United team and we look forward to his experience, passion, and expertise in helping care for the athletes, staff, and families represented with Nashville SC Academy.

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.

Tiago Ends Time with Soccer Chaplains United

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I met Tiago Souza when Jubal McDaniel introduced him into Soccer Chaplains United in 2022. Jubal had a vision to have Tiago help with our Portuguese speaking needs, and Tiago really stepped up in a massive way. Tiago joined us in May of 2022 and it was later that year that we decided to publish our first devotional book for the World Cup that was happening in November with the World Cup taking place in Qatar.

From left to right: I (Brad) stand with college buddy Tim Rogers, Tiago Souza, and Jubal McDaniel at a Tacoma Defiance match in 2022.

Tiago, single-handedly translated our 80-page devotional, The Light is Coming, from English into Portuguese. Additionally, Tiago has been available to help serve and translate several written and audio prayers and other kinds of messages as our chaplains communicated with Portuguese-speaking athletes, coaches, and staff.

Tiago recently married this summer and his time and current stage of life has him looking at other investments and interests with his personal ministry time.

I am thankful for Tiago’s wisdom and his willingness to learn. He was flexible and gracious with many of the redirections that we experienced during his time with us. I admire his deep love for people ability to ask deep, thoughtful questions and his sense of humor.

– Jubal, on Tiago as part of Soccer Chaplains United

We are thankful for Tiago and wish him well for this next chapter and stage of life!

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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