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