Jack Ballou has been one of the longstanding board members for Soccer Chaplains United. Beginning his service in 2015, Jack has served through the transition from CrossTraining to Soccer Chaplains United and has been largely responsible for helping the organization set its financial policies and procedures into place. In addition to helping create the existing structure, he has helped oversee the expanding book-keeping needs and the addition of a part-time book-keeper. At the end of his second, two-year term Jack expressed his desire to step away from the board of directors, but continue to serve as a CPA for Soccer Chaplains United. He will continue to be involved to insure a smooth hand off is made to the next board

It's that time of year for Soccer Chaplains United. I start taking off the chaplain hat (not really, as I have a lot of appointments and loose ends to tie up, but you'll see) and I put more of the organizational needs onto my immediate attention. Fundraising and development best happen in this time and space when the season of serving and ministering as chaplain slow down. Yes, there are still the emerging issues that will come from the Developmental Academy and the occasional meeting with a First-Team Rapids player, coach, or staff member to offer support. This year is a bit special as I've been asked to officiate a player's wedding in December. Of the organizational and developmental needs

Ever since rebranding last fall, Soccer Chaplains United has been experiencing a tremendous amount of growth and opportunity. Last year, at the time of rebranding, the Portland Timbers chaplains joined Soccer Chaplains United as well as the organization's first collegiate chaplain at Moody Bible Institute joined the organization. This year, we've added chaplains in Nashville and Rio Grande Valley with the second division soccer teams there and are exploring adding a chaplain at another college in Illinois. Ministry growth has outpaced ministry funding, though, for the year which has created new challenges and an opportunity. As the Board of Directors for Soccer Chaplains United seeks answers to address the shortfall, there has been looks at several different options including creating

This past week, the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve Dr Jan van Vliet to the board. As an educator and professor at Dordt College in Iowa, Jan brings a rich wealth of academic knowledge and experience to the organization. Born in the Netherlands and holding dual citizenship in the Netherlands and Canada in addition to US permanent residency, Jan possess some unique multi-cultural understandings that will be helpful for our growth. Jan and I met in 2011 when he was a visiting scholar at Denver Seminary. The Colorado Rapids had just won the MLS Cup and a mutual friend connected us for a coffee. Since then, Jan has been on my radar as a potential

It's my pleasure to announce that Alex Avila has joined the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. Alex brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a counselor in the South-metro Denver-area. As the founder and director of the Relationship Institute of the Rockies, he has a vision and a passion for seeing people overcome personal challenges around counseling in order to get the help they need. When I asked him what he is looking forward to most with joining the board, Alex shared, I am excited to help break down barriers and stigmas and to help Soccer Chaplains United and everyone they serve improve mental health and relationships. Alex's appointment to the Board of Directors will help Soccer Chaplains