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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.

Update: Kell’s Time in Cleveland

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Last month, Ethan Kell, son of Soccer Chaplains United chaplain Michael Kell requested soccer gear for his school’s spring break missions trips happening in Cleveland, OH working with refugees in the inner city. The following video shows a little bit about pulling gear for this particular project:

Ethan shares photos, video and more about what he and his team did during their time, below:

We worked in inner city Cleveland and were able to serve the community.  I helped repair a greenhouse that provides vegetables to refugees.  I was able to serve refugees through helping them learn English.  Because of the donation of gear from Soccer Chaplains United and the Colorado Rapids, I was able to give clothing and soccer gear to local children.  They were so excited. The kids put their gear on right away and many didn’t take it off for the next several days. Something that stood out to me was that there isn’t just a need outside of the United States but there is great need here in our country and in our own communities. I am thankful for all those who helped make this trip possible and especially thankful to Rev Brad and the work of Soccer Chaplains United.

Ethan, on his time in Cleveland and what his eyes were opened to see

Of course the soccer gear was small part of the work that Ethan and his team did, but it also was something that the Envision staff made a comment on:

This gear donation was a blessing to the community, but it was also a blessing to see Ethan able to serve while sharing the game he loves and an unexpected blessing to me as I saw the joy on the faces of the kids!

Brent Calhoun, Envision Cleveland

Remember, when you support Soccer Chaplains United, a portion of your gift automatically goes to help our community projects and requests. You can give specifically to help cover our costs by making a gift through PushPay — simply select Community from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!

Tate Is Great for Soccer Chaplains United

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Growing up in Harare, Zimbabwe, Africa Tate Madizma grew up in a Christian home and also grew up kicking a ball and loving sports. While he grew up going to church and having an idea about God, a relationship with God, with Jesus, was a more difficult thing to grasp. Tate, on multiple occasions, found himself struggling to understand God’s grace until his youth pastor began to disciple him and teach him more accurately about the nature of God.

Then, in 2004, Tate made the move to the United States for college. He studied Radio, Television, and Film at the University of North Texas, but he had a call upon his heart for full-time ministry. He began to serve at The Village Church while he was in college and God started doing a work in him which led him to seminary and eventually into more full-time ministry.

Fast-forward to last year (2022) and Clint Moore began to consider whom he might add on to the chaplaincy team serving Albuquerque’s professional soccer team, New Mexico United. As Clint moved from full-time church work into a role in industry, he felt as though his time may grow to be less flexible than it had with pastoring. As Clint and I talked about United and the team’s needs, I asked him, “Who do you think might be able to fill your role well, in the event that you need to step back or step away?”

“Two guys, actually…” he replied.

Earlier this year, we introduced Jordan Rivera who serves as bilingual chaplain to New Mexico United. Tate now joins to also co-chaplain the team and bring some different gifts to the table. Tate is the Children and Families pastor at Desert Springs Church, a church which helped to birth out the church Clint pastored at for several years. Tate and Clint had for a number of years been playing soccer together weekly in a midday pick up game. The connection between the two churches had helped to reinforce their pastoral relationships and friendships and the mutual passion for soccer was a bonus. Clint shared with me the how and why Tate fits Soccer Chaplains United.

Tate being born and raised in Zimbabwe brings a whole other experience and value set to the table…he can readily related to people in soccer that come from similar kinds of backgrounds. Yet, Tate has been in the U.S. long enough now that it’s seamless for him to integrate and “get” those that have grown up here for their whole lives. He loves Jesus, people, and the game of soccer…plus he has kiddos running around the house so he gets what it is to juggle the demands of job and family life all at the same time. This is a place where many in USL soccer find themselves.

Clint Moore, on how Tate adds to the team serving New Mexico United

I had the opportunity, earlier this year, to meet with Tate over a meal in Albuquerque. I shared more with him the style and approach that Soccer Chaplains United takes as we take on chaplaincy in the soccer space, much of which really resonated with Tate. He shared some of his background and some of the gifts that add to his chaplain and pastoral presence and appraoch.

I feel that being a chaplain and part of the team with Clint and Jordan suits me really well. My love of the game, my love of people, and my love for Jesus, kind of all get wrapped up here. I can imagine some of the challenges that come with the game and the pressures and I come from an ask culture — I am going to ask and pursue and seek to help people in an authentic way. My wife and I are excited to add this to our and our families opportunities to serve others here in Albuquerque.

Tate Madzima, on his vision for serving New Mexico United

The appointment of Tate brings Soccer Chaplains United’s chaplain corps, currently, to 22. His bio page is found 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 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.

Garber Leaves Soccer Chaplains United But Will Continue To Serve Thorns

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Christina Garber has faithfully served the Portland Thorns since 2019 as volunteer chaplain and will continue to do so but not under the banner of Soccer Chaplains United, any longer. As Christina and I have spoken over the last few weeks, a greater need to “simplify life” has become an emerging theme. Wife to Andy, (who is a Tottenham fan) and mother to three wonderful children, Christina has also supported the Portland Thorns through a NWSL championship season (2022) as volunteer chaplain all the while maintaining full-time work with CRU City and helping the development of the Pro Soccer Chaplains Association. In truth, it has all become a bit too much.

Christina will continue to serve the Thorns and step back from some other engagement places in addition to her membership with Soccer Chaplains United, but the door remains open for her return someday should she elect to consider us again. Her accountability and association will now rest with CRU City.

On behalf of the team and board of Soccer Chaplains United, we wish Christina well in her family life and professional endeavors as she continues to steward the position as volunteer chaplain to the Thorns and the other places where God calls her to serve and be.

Christina (with her family) will continue to serve the Thorns as an extension of her CRU City work in an effort to simplify.

Update: Musana Community Thank You

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Today’s Community Project Update features a Thank You from Musana Community (Kampala, Uganda). You might remember that Musana had made request which we filled in August of 2020. Months of delays in shipping items to the African nation which was shut-down effectively because of COVID-19, the gear arrived in 2021; however, many schools and government agencies were still closed down due to the pandemic and Musana wasn’t able to distribute and start using the gear until last year (2022).

We’re excited to share a video thank you update (also viewable here on our YouTube channel and on our front web page). Originally, Soccer Chaplains United sent Musana the nearly 900 lbs of soccer gear in converted shipping containers which were built out to function as school and medical rooms to the community center in rural Uganda (outside of Kampala).

Team Musana
Pre-match photo with the opponent
Celebrating a goal!

Remember, when you support Soccer Chaplains United, a portion of your gift automatically goes to help our community projects and requests. You can give specifically to help cover our costs by making a gift through PushPay — simply select Community from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!

Update from Wilderness Church: Mexico

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In January, fourteen members from Wilderness Church flew down to Primo Tapia, Mexico to serve at the La Hermosa Orphanage. The church team requested soccer gear from Soccer Chaplains United’s Community Project request program. Below is a brief update from Pastor Jake Chambers on the trip and what the team was able to accomplish as well as plans to head back in May.

The trip was so great. We had such a fun time at the ranch and we were able to do some training for the kids and some for the house moms, too, which was so fun. The kids loved the jerseys as well, so thanks so much for getting those.

A lot of love in that home and so was fun to just share in all the love that the Lord is spreading there!

We were also able to build them a chicken coop and secure the fencing around their soccer field which was great. We are going to try and go back there again in May.

Jake Chambers on the trip to La Hermosa Orphanage

Remember, when you support Soccer Chaplains United, a portion of your gift automatically goes to help our community projects and requests. You can give specifically to help cover our costs by making a gift through PushPay — simply select Community from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!

Kell Keeping Woodcrest and Envision Cleveland

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Recently, Ethan Kell, son of Soccer Chaplains United chaplain Michael Kell reached out and requested soccer gear for his school’s spring break missions trips happening right here in the US in the city of Cleveland (as well as a few other locations). Together with Envision Cleveland, Woodcrest Christian High School, is sending out 114 students for spring time missions work. Ethan and a team of 18 students and 4 adult leaders will travel Ohio to work with inner city kids in downtown Cleveland, including many Somali refugees. Ethan hopes to use soccer as a way to build relationships and the requested gear will hopefully open many of those doors.

Ethan Kell plays for LAFC Academy and has asked for gear from Soccer Chaplains United for his upcoming mission trip to Cleveland

Envision Cleveland

Envision Cleveland has a number of different outreaches and programs aimed at building up the community in different parts of the city. Their mission and aim is to build up and strengthen neighbors and communities and the recent influx of refugees into the US and into Cleveland have created an important place to serve.

Ethan shared more of his hopes and what he is “keeping” in mind as he takes on this trip:

Getting outside of my normal life and serving others in need will let me get a picture of God’s heart for others and what he is doing in other areas. I am excited to take this trip now as this may be the only chance I have while in high school. Many know that I am playing soccer with the MLS Academy of Los Angeles Football Club. The commitment is year round and much is expected. I am taking a step of faith and participating in this trip. This trip will accomplish several things: First, we will support the local Christian workers serving in Cleveland. Second, we will meet practical needs — working with Somali refugees, running children’s ministry and serving in downtown. Third, we will hopefully be able to share with people how much Jesus loves them and they can know Him. Finally, we will be changed and impacted to serve here (in LA) when we return. I am excited about the experience that lies ahead. Please pray for God to provide for every need and that he would begin preparing my heart to serve him.

Ethan Kell, on his aspirations for this trip

Students from Woodcrest Christian School will be traveling to several places in the US and also to the country of Belize. You can see more about what different students and teams will be doing here.

Project Request:

  • Soccer Balls
  • Soccer Jerseys/Shorts/Socks
  • Working with children 5-18 years of age and 50-100 people
  • Shipping items (either to LA or Cleveland)

Remember, when you support Soccer Chaplains United, a portion of your gift automatically goes to help our community projects and requests. You can give specifically to help cover our costs by making a gift through PushPay — simply select Community from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!

Josh Bailey Joins Soccer Chaplains United

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Josh Bailey has a pastors heart. Josh also is coach and enjoys sports — namely basketball and soccer. In his time as both coach and pastor he has for awhile now, been prayerfully considering ways to combine soccer and sharing about Jesus; being Jesus. He’s had previous opportunities to do serve as a chaplain in the past. Josh served as a chaplain with a men’s college basketball team before — traveling with athletes, attending practices, leading chapel services, and meeting with people one-on-one for spiritual and emotional support. It’s from that experience that Josh knows the many opportunities that can come when investing in the lives of people and he has been sensing it’s time to be more active doing that type of ministry again.

That nudge and inkling led Josh to start searching for ways to connect, especially and more deeply in with the burgeoning soccer community. His search led him to find Soccer Chaplains United and to reach out with an initial inquiry. Josh, is the Pastor at Covenant Church (PCA), where he has been serving since 2018. You can read more on his bio page here.

I was really excited to find Soccer Chaplains United and meet Rev Brad. With the growth of soccer in West Virginia, I was looking for a way to serve the soccer community for Christ. I am looking forward to making connections with the teams and coaches in the greater Charleston area and West Virginia. 

Josh, on his hopes for serving the community of soccer in West Virginia

Josh and I have been conversing for the past 6 months. As a pastor, Josh has driven by the local soccer fields and seen an increasing number of people — people whom he knows might never be part or connected to a local church. Seeing the children and parents and families awoken something within him — a desire to reach out, to be available, to serve. And with the rapids growth of the game in the valley — from seeing the collegiate and club teams to even a USL-League Two team — Josh has sought for ways other than coaching to serve.

One of the things that most excites me about Soccer Chaplains United is being a part of a team of other chaplains across the country. As I sought to find a place to do soccer chaplain work, it was very important for me to have accountability and oversight, which is exactly what Soccer Chaplains United provides.

Josh, on one of the things that attracted him to reach out to Soccer Chaplains United

Josh’s background includes serving as a teacher in schools for over 15 years. His latest role before becoming a pastor was as a Title 1 teacher working with students struggling with reading and math. In addition, Josh has coached many athletic teams in soccer and basketball. He works hard to be a servant leader with a consistent demeanor — knowing it’s an example to others, including his wife and 5 children. He strives to be approachable and to be an excellent listener — knowing that these are key components to being part of a team and working with other people.

I am excited to pioneer a work in the greater Charleston area. There is nobody doing work in the soccer community quite like what Soccer Chaplains United offers. I am humbled to be a part of the team! 

Josh, on his hopes for working with Soccer Chaplains United to develop out chaplaincy opportunities for the future

We want to encourage supporters to be praying for Josh and the various opportunities that exist and will continue to arise in the greater Charleston, West Virginia area.

Josh becomes Soccer Chaplains United’s 22nd chaplain.

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.

Kalyn Phelps Joins Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors

I’m pleased to announce that Kalyn Phelps has recently joined the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. Kalyn played for Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs and captained the team for three years. She went on to play collegiately at the University of Northern Colorado which was a Division 2 NCAA school at the time. She played all four years, captaining for two and playing mainly as a center midfielder. She has spent time coaching at the high school and youth levels, as well. Today, as a mother of three, she most recently coached her daughter’s U9 team for Pride Soccer Club in CO Springs and she still enjoys playing the game.

Flashback photo to Kalyn’s playing days at UNC

Kalyn is married to Reid, whom she met after college. Reid is an anesthesiologist and it was during their early married life that Kalyn’s faith was really challenged. In the time that followed, she began to really grow closer to God and owning her own faith through some strong connections to a church and faith community during Reid’s medical school years.

Kalyn and husband, Reid, pose for a picture while mountain biking

Other passions and interests for Kalyn include art and many visual expressions. She serves as a substitute teacher, art educator, and artist having worked in education, primarily.

Kalyn was recently commissioned to produce the above mural in a local private school in Colorado Springs

I came to know Kalyn through Wayne Pirmann. Both were coaching in the Colorado Springs area and Kalyn became interested in the work of Soccer Chaplains United as Wayne described it to her last year. On Tuesday, January 24, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Kalyn to the board. Making her the first woman to serve in such a capacity.

Part of my own excitement of adding her to the board centers around the anticipated growth of the women’s game here in the U.S. and North America in the next few years. The United Soccer League is expected to build out an entire tier of 2nd division professional soccer (some estimate as many as 40 teams). Additionally, Kalyn will be a great help in guiding Soccer Chaplains United as we look to grow the number of female chaplains serving with our organization.

Kalyn shared some of her faith background and journey,

My faith is a story of God pursuing me. He came after me when I was a young teenager with His love and His truth and it captured my heart. My desire is to daily live out my faith in Christ through loving well and engaging with my family, friendships and community in the same way that Christ has loved me. I certainly don’t do this perfectly, but I am confident that I serve a perfect God and that He is with me and for me.

Kalyn Phelps, on her faith journey and story
Kalyn and her family

Kalyn shared more on her excitement of joining Soccer Chaplains United,

I love the idea of Soccer Chaplains United from when I first heard about it…when I heard about supporting with spiritual care and coming alongside of players it really excited me. Athletes (as I know from my own story) can become lost in who they are — recognizing that God loves them and that He has plans for their lives beyond the pitch is an amazing task and responsibility that chaplains and those with Soccer Chaplains United can be a part of.

Kalyn Phelps, on joining Soccer Chaplains United’s Board of Directors

Welcome Kalyn, to Soccer Chaplains United!

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.

Jordan Rivera Joins Soccer Chaplains United in Albuquerque

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Jordan Rivera recently completed the process to being serving as a volunteer chaplain to New Mexico United, a team playing in the United Soccer League — Championship (USL-C) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. USL-C is part of the second division of professional soccer in the United States and New Mexico United has, historically, been one of the stronger and more exciting teams to play in the league independent of any Major League Soccer (MLS) club affiliations.

Established in 2018, NMU is a constant contender in the Western Conference of what is USL-Championship

Jordan, originally from Ecuador, was tabbed by current volunteer chaplain Clint Moore to help assist with Spanish-speaking needs throughout the organization — from the first team through the academy. Growing up, Jordan enjoyed playing soccer but when his family moved from Ecuador to Argentina and then to the US — the call of God was heavy on his heart and he started to pursue a theological education and a deepening of his relationship with God.

Jordan has a heart for Jesus, the game of football, and the people on and off the pitch. Being from Latin America gives him even more language and cultural ability to serve the club in unique ways. I can’t wait to see how the Lord uses him at NM United!

Clint Moore, volunteer chaplain New Mexico United

Jordan bring a number of skills and talents and other unique notes as he joins the team of Soccer Chaplains United. At age 28 he is now the the youngest chaplain to serve in the group. He is the first chaplain of Ecuadorian descent (although not the first to be born in Quito — see Kurt Trempert). Jordan joins a growing list of bilingual chaplains which have represented the nations of Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, and Chile. His ordination with Comunidad Cristiana La Nueva Esperanza of San Juan, Texas is tied into the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) making Jordan the 4th chaplain in Soccer Chaplains United history to come from that denomination.

Jordan enjoys coffee and playing guitar and other instruments as well as learning to be a new dad

Jordan joins the chaplaincy team in the midst of preparing to launch a Spanish-speaking congregation in Albuquerque in the next year or so. He is married and he and his wife have a young daughter whom they are both enjoying learning to love and parent.

I have been really impressed at the lengths Soccer Chaplains United goes in this process. It feels affirming and feels important — this isn’t just a pat on the back and go do the work. I look forward to working with the people, in my time shadowing Clint in the past I have learned that there is a slow and steady work to build trust and to serve people where they are.

Jordan River, on joining Soccer Chaplains United and serving NMU

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individual donors and church partners to carry out our work of growing chaplaincy service across all levels of soccer. 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.

Chaplain Candidate Backlog to Open 2023

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While it wasn’t on my radar, 2023 is starting with a slight feeling of being behind the proverbial 8-ball. As we near the end of the month of January there is a growing list of chaplain candidates waiting for interviews and processing for part of Soccer Chaplains United. For some chaplain candidates, they are already in place and in position and might simply be considered “transfers.” The early encouragement from the Pro Soccer Chaplains Association is for independent and unaffiliated chaplains to align with a founding organization. For some of those chaplains, we are a better fit than others.

But beyond what we might call “transfer growth” has been the numerical growth of the game as well as the increase in popularity which might be evidenced by last year’s World Cup viewership numbers in the U.S. and around the world. 2023 will be no different at the Women’s World Cup, co-hosted in New Zealand and Australia, will likely provide impetus for the launching of a new, 2nd division league on the women’s side of the game here in 2024. Estimations have some 40 or so teams slated to begin play in 2024.

Below the 1st and 2nd divisions of pro-soccer in North America there are other levels of the game. These teams and organizations are still very fluid — sometimes pressing pause on operations for a season due to finances or other reasons; however, many are recovering from 2020 and 2021’s pandemic crunch and beginning to build vibrant organizations again.

Current development opportunities for Soccer Chaplains United (and other member groups of the PSCA) abound. Here are the professional team opportunities that we are focusing on for the short-term future:

  • Huntsville City FC — an MLS Next Pro franchise attached to Nashville SC
  • El Paso Locomotive FC — a USL-Championship franchise where we have had a chaplain in the past
  • New Mexico United — adding two team members to share the duties between the USL-Championship side and their growing academy
  • Colorado Rapids — adding an additional chaplain for academy and organizational cover
  • West Virginia — an opportunity for a USL-League two team and local club
  • Union Omaha — seeking candidates

If you or someone you know might be a good fit or consideration for serving as a volunteer chaplain in professional soccer, please reach out to us at info@soccerchaplainunited.org or check out our CHAPLAINCY page for more information on Soccer Chaplains United requirements and processes.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individual donors and church partners to carry out our work of chaplaincy service across all levels of soccer. 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 (the big P or give tab) 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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