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I’m pleased to announce that Rod Underwood has joined the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. Rod brings a wealth of soccer experience, both as a professional player and as a coach across all levels of the game. And his passion to see coaches in the game feel supported in the difficulties that they face is part of the wonderful drive and passion that Rod will bring to the group.

Much of Rod’s coaching, playing, and life experience can be found at his website. But to highlight a few things — Rod has coached at MLS, USL, international, and youth levels for many years. A professional player coming out of NCAA Division 1 Furman University, Rod played primarily as a forward and midfielder for several professional teams, most notably in New Mexico before beginning his coaching career.

Married to Alyssa, Rod has four children — including twins, just like me and my wife! The Underwoods currently reside in Tacoma, WA and Rod works as a soccer coach and soccer consultant.

Rod and I came to know each other through mutual friend and Soccer Chaplains United chaplain, Ben Dudley. Ben is co-chaplain with the Portland Timbers and he and Rod came to know each other during one of Rod’s coaching stints with the team. I remember briefly meeting Rod several years ago at a Timbers game when I was in town with the Rapids and to spend time with Ben and Troy (Ready).

It was Ben Dudley’s recent comment to me, “Have you thought about Rod?” that spurred our beginning dialogue to gauge Rod’s interest in serving on the board. Last night, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Rod to the board.

Rod shared a bit of his faith background with the board,

I was raised in the church as a kid I spent as much time at church as I did playing soccer. Life changed once I was out on my own — the real walk started as I like to say it was no longer just the faith of my family but my own personal faith. This is when my faith really began to grow and fast forward to today everthing I do revolves around my walk with God.

Rod Underwood, on his faith journey and story

Rod shared some of his hope and vision in joining Soccer Chaplains United,

To have this opportunity, to come on to the board and work with Soccer Chaplains United, and connect with other coaches in soccer is really important to me because I have experienced the highs and lows of being a professional coach and the overwhelming feelings of being lonely and isolated and needing and wanting support.

I want to come alongside of them and minister and care for them and help them through their process and journey of coaching.

Rod Underwood, on joining Soccer Chaplains United’s Board of Directors

Welcome Rod, 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 and counseling 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.