We finally come to the end of episode four, season one and we see Coach Lasso and Coach Beard walking home after the gala. Beard is a mess — his girlfriend has dumped him. He put the "game" (of chess) before the dame, and it seems like this isn't the first time. In today's "Lessons from Lasso," we talk about first things — and how when we get our priorities wrong, it tends to mess up a lot of different things. Jesus and C.S. Lewis offer us wisdom and instruction into how to correctly prioritize things in life — and for my friends in football, the simple way that I remember it is with the phrase, "Faith, family, football." It's
Podcast
From the Touchline
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Keeley and Jamie are at the end. There's been unfaithfulness in the relationship and Keeley comes to grips with Rebecca's earlier words of wisdom to ask about the place of accountability in a relationship. "Being accountable matters" she tells Jamie before telling him their relationship is over. In today's "Lessons from Lasso," we talk about accountability and why it matters in life and in football. There is coming a day when all people will stand before God and have to give an account of themselves — their actions and behaviors, things done and left undone against others. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 14:10-12 of that day and we briefly talk about why and how it matters. Ted Lasso, the
The villainous Rupert Manion seems like he's gotten away with murder, yet again. The swaggering millionaire appears to be the hero as he pulls out a check for 1 million pounds to help the charity benefit achieve its goals — does anyone see him for who he truly is? Lasso, does. In today's "Lessons from Lasso," we talk about what it means to see people as they really are and the double edge of not judging books by their covers. For me, this is so much the work of a chaplain and pastor — is learning to read the living human documents that God puts before our very eyes. And Jesus of Nazareth was best, hands down, at seeing and reading
What the heck is an NFT? What about an NIL? Do you know? Should we care? Well, today, on the From the Touchline podcast, we dive into a new world where many things seem to be spelled out in three letters or less! For those that don't know, an NFT is a non-fungible token and NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness — these are two hot topics right now in sport, and especially in soccer. The two are linked and perhaps a bit infamously as there is a real lack of clarity around what these things are and how they affect people and even the game at this point. I am certainly no expert, but we need to dive
What happens when we run into conflict? Do we avoid it? Or, face it head on? Well, Coach Lasso attempts to bridge the gap that continues to grow amongst the team by bringing together his two leaders — the youthful, Jamie Tartt and the veteran, Roy Kent for a little "parent trap" conversation. In today's "Lessons from Lasso," we talk about conflict resolution. Conflict is inevitable, especially amongst professional football. And there are healthy ways of dealing with conflict and unhealthy ways — the work is to figure out what may need to be done to mend the proverbial fences and to work together to achieve something. As part of the From the Touchline podcast, today's lesson features a brief
Ted Lasso goes looking for divorcée owner Rebecca to ask her a question during the fundraising gala — only to find that she's alone in the back alley and on the verge of tears...Rupert Manion, her ex- has shown up unannounced and "stolen the show" with his arrogant bravado. His presence and words to Rebecca remind her of the abuses suffered in the past and the threat that Rupert once warned her about — "if you leave me, you will be alone." And Rebecca fears that the prediction has come true. In today's "Lessons from Lasso" on the From the Touchline podcast, we briefly examine loneliness and its damaging effects on a person. I reference a Harvard longitudinal study on the
Rupert Manion rudely interrupts the fundraising benefit and in his mid-event introduction to Coach Lasso, he claims the love of his team that resides in his heart...you know, the lifelong love that we often have for our sports teams and clubs? Which team (or sport) has your lifetime fan-dom or passion? In today's "Lessons from Lasso" on the From the Touchline podcast, this one is aimed more at the passionate fan. We take a look at how the love and subsequent obsession may actually be a dangerous thing. What might Jesus say to us about the time, attention, energy, and money that we pour into our obsessions (sports or otherwise?). We get a simple lesson in the different kinds of
Veteran Roy Kent is fuming. Pretty boy Jamie Tartt is antagonizing. The team is divided. And Coach Lasso is struggling to repair and restore team unity. Coach Lasso's words of wisdom to Kent? "Don't let the wisdom of age be wasted on you..." In today's "Lessons from Lasso" on the From the Touchline podcast, we take a look at wisdom — how does someone gain wisdom? What's the difference between having knowledge, having wisdom, and applying it? Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show in its second season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, Coach 'Ted Lasso.' Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the
In a special, bonus episode podcast, my good friend, Reverend Dave Meserve, shares a devotional writing on this, Easter Sunday. Gerard Manley Hopkins originally crafted the idea of letting Jesus "easter" in us — using the word not as a noun, but as a verb. And today, on the From the Touchline podcast, my friend, Rev Dave shares what it means to let Jesus easter in our hearts. Dave is a gifted writer and communicator. He is the founder of Urban Skye, he is currently serving as a chaplain with Volunteers of America, one of his latest ventures includes forming a publishing company called Awkward Faith Publishing. The link below is a pdf format of the devotional that you are welcome
Today is Spy Wednesday. Coming in the middle of Holy Week, tonight is the night when Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Judas the betrayer, the traitor. Judas has a different relationship with Jesus than most of the other disciples — and a telling distinction in the Gospel of Matthew gives us some insight into this difference. Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, we look at the text of Matthew 26:17-25 and examine Judas' different relationship with Jesus, noticeable in the word, the title, he uses to address Jesus. Contrast Judas with the other disciples and we can see a relational gap. Noting this difference, I also share a parallel that I have seen from
Telling the truth is difficult in our day and age and maybe nowhere more difficult than in the football world. Today, Coach Lasso takes a minute to speak some truth into young Nathan's life as they head off for the team charity benefit gala. In today's "Lessons from Lasso" on the From the Touchline podcast, I reflect on how difficult it is for truth-telling these days and something that we can see and learn from Coach Lasso as he takes a moment to tell one of his staff members a truth that he needs to hear. The Bible tells us that those who are really worthy of being in God's house are "truth tellers who don't have slander on their
Perhaps you've heard the adage — a house divided cannot stand. These words, spoken by Jesus a couple thousand years ago, play out in the rift that we see between members of the AFC Richmond team and Coach Lasso and Coach Beard have got to come up with a solution before it all unravels. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I reflect on the inability for teams, homes, and kingdoms or nations to continue to exist with sharp division — there has to be reconciliation, there has to be healing and repair. During Jesus' earthly ministry he was accused of being on the same side as Satan — a ridiculous accusation and Jesus' words are a reminder that a
Tensions and fights happen in football — especially in the elite side of the game. There's a lot at stake and a wide variety of sources and causes of division and struggle and more. What happens when the emotions and passion boil over and threaten to destroy the camaraderie and unity of a locker room? Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at AFC Richmond going through this particularly difficult stages of group formation — one that teams often go through. A similar situation that Jesus faced with his own disciples — his rule wasn't "No fight club" but rather one that went deeper into the heart and ethos of a group of people that were tied together into a
The National Women's Soccer League, the top league for women's soccer in the US, begins their season with the Challenge Cup tournament this Friday as the Portland Thorns take on the OL Reign. Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline I am joined by special guests — Lori Krueger, volunteer chaplain with NWSL side KC Current and the volunteer chaplain coordinator for the league, as well as Soccer Chaplains United's very own — Christina Garber — the volunteer chaplain for the Portland Thorns. There's much to discuss as women's soccer has been in the news a lot in the past few months — for good things and for challenging things. Also part of the pod, Lori takes on
What do you love? Who are you and how has God made you? Do you know those things? It's a question that our friend Coach Ted Lasso asks of Reporter Trent Crimm in our latest and last look at episode three from season 1 of the Ted Lasso TV show. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at the ideas of vocation and passion and doing the things that we love to do and understanding how those things make us tick and how those things bring special meaning and purpose to the world and to our lives. Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show in its second season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, 'Ted
Today is Ash Wednesday and the time that the church and Christians around the world mark the beginning of the season of Lent and the 40+ days leading up to Easter. Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, we share the audio for our English Ash Wednesday video which you can find on our website, on the app, or on our YouTube channel. Let me encourage you — if you have 10 minutes — to check it out. In the video, Tacoma Defiance volunteer chaplain Jubal McDaniel reads and animates the text of Psalm 90 (The Message version). Paul Zach makes a special musical guest appearance with written and recorded Psalm 90. You can see more music
Hoy es Miércoles de Ceniza y el momento en que la iglesia y los cristianos de todo el mundo marcan el comienzo de la temporada de Cuaresma y los más de 40 días previos a la Pascua. Hoy, en el podcast de Soccer Chaplains United, From the Touchline, compartimos el audio de nuestro video del Miércoles de Ceniza en español que puede encontrar en nuestro sitio web, en la aplicación o en nuestro canal de YouTube. Permíteme animarte, si tienes 10 minutos, a que lo compruebes. El video presenta al Reverendo Isidro Piña. Isidro, capellán voluntario de Rio Grande Valley Toros FC y pastor de la Iglesia Metodista Unida El Buen Pastor en Edinburg, Texas. Isidro comparte un mensaje poderoso
Major League Soccer, the top flight for US football, kicks off the league season this weekend and while it’s super early compared to other years, we can blame it on the World Cup. Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline I am joined by a couple of special guests — Rev Billy Cerveny, volunteer chaplain with Nashville SC and Troy Ready (or Rev Ready) as we come to know, co-chaplain of the Portland Timbers. We take a look back at our team's 2021 and look ahead to what may be in store for the 2022 season in this special MLS Preview. From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive
It is a rare thing in football that a good idea originating from an unlikely source would ever get praise or appropriate credit. Usually, it's a dog-eat-dog world with managers, executives, and even footballers fighting for every advantage in the elite circles — so when a new play comes from the mind of AFC Richmond's kit man, Nate Shelly, one would think it to be just the opportunity that Coach Lasso needs to gain credibility in the eyes of owners, reporters, and fans — but Lasso surprises us. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, we look at the humility of Coach Lasso to give credit where credit is due and to actually recognize the work and ideas of others around
Can a football manager or a football player really be unconcerned with wins and losses? Teams rise and fall with wins and losses. Contracts are offered or extended based on performances. Scholarships and other opportunities come as the result of the results. Who would dare be unconcerned with wins and losses at the elite levels and echelons of the game? Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, in our Lessons from Lasso series I scrutinize a bit of Coach Lasso's claim (season 1, episode 3) to Reporter Trent Crimm of not being too worried about wins and losses — it seems a bit of an idealistic thing to say. But can someone in football really have such an attitude or
The January transfer window just closed on Monday, and with it a host of player movement around the world. Hundreds of trades and loans were executed and millions of dollars exchanging hands. And with every deal done, a new beginning with a host of hopes and dreams and expectations to go along with it. What is the secret to facing new beginnings? What stories of old might inform us for the new challenges to be faced and new lands to be conquered amongst the football transfer landscape? Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I take a look at the biblical life story of Caleb. At the ripe age of 40 he was ready to take on the challenge of
How does a coach get his team to have buy-in to what he is trying to do, what he is trying to achieve? Much of it begins at the heart level — at least when it comes to talking about long-lasting change. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, in our Lessons From Lasso series we look at Coach Lasso who is working at getting to the heart issues of some of his team in order to produce the turnaround and to make the kind impact that only Ted Lasso can make. And football isn't the only place where the heart has a primary importance — it's critical when we are talking about spiritual things and one's relationship with God, too.
Have you been bullied? As a child? Because of a physical attribute? Or, for something else or some other reason? Bullying is an issue that has gone on for a long time and for a number of different reasons. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, we pick up with Lesson 20 in our Lessons From Lasso series and we talk about dealing with bullies. Do you agree with Coach Lasso's take on dealing with bullies? Well, regardless on whether you agree with Lasso's tactics, I share some of how I see God dealing with bullies in scripture. Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show in its second season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, 'Ted Lasso'
Preseason. It's here. For many teams in the US professional soccer, they will begin reporting to their particular teams in the next few days and weeks. It's the preseason, and with the World Cup happening in November and December, it's coming fast and furious for many professional footballers. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at a biblical example of a "preseason" moment - this one, from Jesus' life when he spends 40 days out in the wilderness before beginning his earthly ministry. There are some characteristics between Jesus' time of testing and the same kind of preseason that a footballer will face with their own teams and I draw on the parallels. Here are links to the
Devastating fires rocked the northwestern suburbs of Denver along the Denver/Boulder corridor. 1000 homes damaged and many people displaced from their homes as the start of 2022 comes. It has been a difficult couple of years — COVID, effects of the pandemic, social unrest, injustices left and right — and yet, with the start of every new year, we have hopes and dreams and resolutions, that this year will be the year. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at the subject of blessing and I offer a blessing for the year of 2022. But the blessing comes at the end — it's important that we understand the nature and the power of blessing before we utter a single word.
Maybe you're the kind of person that has a hard time believing in yourself. Perhaps in life or in football or in relationships you've been beat down, oppressed, disregarded or otherwise so maligned that you no longer have a voice or lack any sort of confidence. Or, maybe you're in a different position — maybe you're a person who has power, prestige, and influence. Maybe you're in a position to elevate someone who is low or help them gain or regain confidence in themself. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, we continue in our Lessons From Lasso, as we dive into Season 1, Episode Three and look at how Coach Lasso elevates the team's kit man (equipment) Nate into considering
How do we see ourselves? Special? Unique? Genius? World-talent? Many times, our selfishness takes over and we forget that we are part of a team, we forget that we are part of something bigger than ourself — it might be that we are part of a football team, a family, or another larger body. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, another of our Lessons From Lasso, we look at Coach Lasso's sidebar conversation with Striker Jamie Tartt — Tartt is the epitome of selfishness and Lasso tries to win him over and see that he is actually part of a team, not just a 1 in a million player. So, too, people of faith, Christians, are to be people who
Have you ever had a test that lasted just 90 minutes? Maybe it was a job interview or it was a first date impression. Did you get it right? Or, did you bomb it a miserably fail? In professional sport, the elite athlete, the coach has a certain time frame to prove themselves — to get it right, to succeed. And if they don't — well, it's a short-lived life sometimes in the midst of the professional game. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, in lesson 17 of our Lessons From Lasso series, I talk about the times of trial and testing that come into our lives. Usually, we will have more than 90 minutes to establish ourselves or to
I can commiserate with Coach Lasso — not everyone comes from your same background and at times, in an honest attempt to support people, we can sometimes fail miserably. In today's Lesson from Lasso, we are reminded of the sensitivity that we must often approach people with because "not everyone is fond of the American military" as we come to learn from star defender Sam Obisanya. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, in lesson 16 of our Lessons From Lasso series, I look at the awkward, pre-game moment between Sam and Coach Lasso. Lasso tries to encourage Sam, but essentially has to walk back the attempt because it just doesn't suit him. I correlate this moment with a moment where
This Friday, December 3, is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. With this in mind, we take a look at disability sport — it's origins, some of the challenges, and the story of someone who is firmly entrenched in serving the disability sporting world as a chaplain. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, my friend and fellow sports chaplaincy colleague, Rev Steve Jones, joins us to share more on disability (sometimes called adaptive) sport. Steve is the UK Disability Lead for Sports Chaplaincy UK and we've had occasion to share a curry in England from one of my trips across the pond. I pray that today's podcast will help to open your eyes and my own toward those
A few weeks ago, my friends, Dr Chad Carlson of Hope College and Dr Brian Bolt of Calvin University on their podcast Sport.Faith.Life ask the question, Would Jesus Play...Soccer? It's part of a new series whereby they are looking at some of the different sports that Jesus would have participated in back in his day and what about that sport Jesus might have liked and what he would not have liked. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at each of the reasons that Chad and Brian offer and then I offer a few of my own — on why I believe Jesus would have played soccer. And I can definitely say that I think Jesus would have.
Birthdays are a time to celebrate and honor people. Although, in football, some may dread their birthday because It is a reminder of aging in an industry that favors those who are young, fit, and powerful. But taking the time to honor people is key to the success of the individual athlete and the team as a whole, and someone's birthday is an ideal time to tell them or show them that you care. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, in lesson 15 Rev Brad looks at the effort made by Coach Ted Lasso to lift the spirits of one of his struggling players by remembering and celebrating his birthday. Rev Brad shares about his own practice of trying
All around the world, one thing that is perhaps as common as the love of the Beautiful Game is a desire for peace; a desire for safety and security — and sometimes football affords us a sense of this in the confines of the game. But in the elite levels and the business practices in the football industry, there's a lot of fighting, back-stabbing, and more that goes on. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, in lesson 14 Rev Brad looks at Ted Lasso's "gift" of a little plastic green army man and the hopeful representation that somehow it will afford a type of protection from the wild and dangerous side of football. Peace is something that we all
Personalities play a massive role amongst a football team — whether the elite athlete or the magnanimous manager. And the football locker room isn't necessarily a friendly place for the timid or meek of the earth. So what kind of personality do you bring to football? Have you ever done a deep dive into how you are wired? Or, have you ever had to assemble a team or work with some "larger-than-life" personalities in your work place? Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show in its second season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, 'Ted Lasso' character brought to life in his own TV show series. Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic
How well do you receive forgiveness? How easy is it for you to move on from a mistake or critical error as a footballer or coach? Have you developed any particular memory habits or routines and rhythms to help you overcome and achieve? Well, today we consider Coach Lasso's words to defender Sam Obisanya — "Be a Goldfish!" Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show in its second season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, 'Ted Lasso' character brought to life in his own TV show series. Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis, Lasso (as a
New things often have a different language, different words, and other little nuances that may or may not be easily know or readily understood — what are the vernacular differences that you've experienced? Even American English isn't the same as British English! And in the game of football, there are many different words and phrases and sayings that can be hard to understand — the same could be said for the Christian faith, as well. There is theological language, religious language — and if you've not grown up in it or been taught it, it might be really tough to understand. Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show in its second season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, 'Ted Lasso'
What do you do to build relationships in your life? At home? At work? Do you enjoy food? A game or some type of event? In today's, Lessons From Lasso, we are going to take a look at the rhythm and routine that Lasso forces on to AFC Richmond Owner Rebecca in an attempt to influence and change the culture and hearts of the people at the football club. Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show in its second season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, 'Ted Lasso' character brought to life in his own TV show series. Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to
Today's Lesson from Lasso is about watching where you step. Sometimes when we go a new venture it can be a dangerous thing to step outside the door, if we aren't careful we can get run over — by a car or some thing or some one or worse. If we don't pay attention to our surroundings we can be caught off-guard, ambushed. Ted Lasso, the immensely popular streaming TV show in its second season on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, 'Ted Lasso' character brought to life in his own TV show series. Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by
Mental health is a rising concern amongst athletes in the beautiful game from professional, elite levels all the way down to the youth. With the various pressures (internal and external) how can athletes today cope with everything they see and feel, especially amidst a global pandemic that has been very isolating? Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, Dr Brad Miller, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and one of four Founders of Soccer Resilience, is my guest and he shares about the work that his organization is undertaking with individual athletes and different clubs and teams around the US. We talk about the importance and value of mental health and hear a little bit of Brad's story of playing soccer as
Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United has started with a bang! Three goals in two games, a social and journalistic media frenzy, an all-time record for number of shirts bearing his name and number being sold and Untied fans around the world excited to see his return. Homecoming stories are some of the best stories aren't they? We see homecomings on social media and even read about them in the Bible — the return of the ark of God to the people of Israel under King David's reign brought about tremendous rejoicing. And Jesus tells us a parable (a story) of a lost son finding his way home to his father and his family after being a long way away.
The death of Afghan teenager, Zaki Anwari, as he fell from a plane while trying to escape the Taliban takeover in Kabul was saddening news as the world looked on to the despairing events of a few weeks ago. Zaki, described as a strong center back and bright student — had high hopes and aspirations and these came face to face with a grim reality as Taliban forces surged into the city of Kabul. Today, on the podcast, in a way trying to honor Zaki's memory, I wrestle with what drove Zaki to go to the airport that fateful day and what led him to hold onto that plane, although it would never have worked out the way that anyone
Life in football — whether in the professional or the amateur side — can feel quite lonely at times. For the one just dismissed or moving to a team half way around the globe. For the player who just can't seem to catch a break. For the one in hospital or on the sidelines languishing in a return from an injury — in these moments and in a thousand more it make no difference that you might be surrounded by a team/teammates or even supportive friends and family — it can be quite lonely and exhausting at times. Today, on the podcast, I share the music of one of our own Billy Cerveny. Billy is the volunteer chaplain to Nashville SC and a
Probably there are few people who don't know who Lionel Messi is — he's world renowned as a footballer. Well, his loyalty and life are so intimately tied to Spanish club Barcelona FC that the news a few weeks ago came as a shock to football fans, as well as to Messi and his family — he wouldn't be retuning to Barcelona as financial details couldn't be worked out. Today, on the podcast, I talk about how often we make plans — plans for career, education, marriage, retirement, and so much more, but really those things need to be subject to the will of God I am Rev Brad Kenney, and this is the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline. Today,
Finally! We move on to Episode 2 of Season One of Ted Lasso. Do you remember how you felt on the first day of school? Or, maybe it was the first day at your new club, your new team? Excited? Nervous? Both. Coach Lasso and Coach Beard share their feelings and help each other with "first day jitters" and we look at those feelings as part of our Lessons from Lasso series on the podcast today. Ted Lasso, the new and immensely popular streaming TV show on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, 'Ted Lasso' character brought to life in his own TV show series. Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC
There's no hiding the facts — divorce rates in professional sport, including football, are immensely high. The life on the road, time spent away from spouse and children, the glory, the fans, the chasing of dreams and so many more reasons bring cracks and pressures to marital and family life that are unique. In truth, the athletes and those in the game are entertainers — but it all takes a toll and we see this in the closing scenes of episode one and the last of our Lessons from Lasso in the first show. Ted Lasso, the new and immensely popular streaming TV show on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, 'Ted Lasso' character brought to life in his own
Do you travel much? Have you ever been away from home and living out of a suitcase? Are you the kind of traveler that leaves everything in your suitcase or do you unpack your bags and use the drawers? In this week's Lesson from Lasso, Rev Brad unpacks the bags a bit and looks at the spiritual and mental aspects of doing so. Ted Lasso, the new and immensely popular streaming TV show on Apple TV+ features the antics and quirky, 'Ted Lasso' character brought to life in his own TV show series. Lasso first appeared a number of years ago as a comedic character as NBC purchased the broadcast rights to the English Premier League. Played by Jason Sudeikis,
Not long into the show, we understand that not many love Coach Ted Lasso coming to AFC Richmond. The fans, the players, the media — even the club owner who has brought Lasso in had an ulterior motive. While it might be a stretch to call her an enemy of Ted Lasso, it certainly isn't a stretch to say that she doesn't seem to mind Lasso (and others) being casualty to her attempts to run the club into the ground to get back at her former husband. Our favorite coach has some opposition against him — what do we do when we encounter such opposition in football? That's the heart of today's podcast and Lesson from Lasso. Ted Lasso, the new
A recent Men in Blazers podcast had a line from show host Davo (Michael Davies) which got me thinking. When speaking to some of the racist abuse that came as a result of the Euro 2020 final, Davo said, "I have no solution, so I feel it's pointless to talk about." It's not likely that Davo was saying that racism as an issue isn't worth talking about — instead, I think it's a weariness that many around the game and around the issue feel. It's almost like, can't we move past these issues? Can't we all just get along? Football fans around the world believe the game to be a great leveler — a unifying game between differences. And so, it
Heartbreak in England. Celebration in Italy. The 2020 European Championship (played in 2021 due to COVID) has ended the month-long campaign and crowned a winner. It was a football-fest filled with amazing storylines — adversity overcome, unique times and ways for footballer and fan to re-engage with the game with the after-effects of a global pandemic still being felt. But which storyline most grabbed your attention? Was it the 55-year drought for England which ended with them making the final? The return of the Azzurri to a dominant form? Or, maybe it was another story — Christian Eriksen and the Danes which made it far and deep into the tourney? I am Rev Brad Kenney, and this is the Soccer
A few months ago, The Athletic featured a story on Norwegian footballer, Pal Enger. Enger, known more for his heist of Edvard Munch's famous Scream painting than for his football, is the subject of today's From the Touchline podcast. Enger's story around football and his life of crime outside of it, got me thinking — do we really know our teammates well? And how does what we know change about how we treat them or approach them? I am Rev Brad Kenney, and this is the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline. From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the