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,

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