The end of 2020 saw turbulent year and difficult start to a new decade. As 2019 was coming to a close, we identified 20 Things to Watch for in 2020 and we take a look back now at how we did. 20 - 14. Chaplains Corps up to 20 Currently, Soccer Chaplains United has 13 chaplains that are serving in different capacities from High School all the way to professional parts of the game. Part of our original vision was for the organization to be at 20 chaplains by 2020 across all levels and we are close to accomplishing that goal. Prayer: for chaplain placements and opportunities in 2020 to go smoothly. How we did: when soccer and the world

I had the privilege last week to speak with students at Denver Seminary, my alma mater, and share about my work in sport chaplaincy. The course, Many Faces of Chaplaincy, is part of the core curriculum base for those studying chaplaincy — whether in the Master of Divinity track or the seminary's Chaplaincy Certificate Program. For me, sometimes the class can be a great opportunity to see the growth of chaplaincy and some have even been curious enough to look more into serving as a chaplain in sport, and even with Soccer Chaplains United. Most students are looking into military or hospital/healthcare chaplaincy opportunities. Myself, and three other presenters, joined Prof Dr. Jan McCormack (top left) and about 18 students

I am pleased to announce the newest member of Soccer Chaplains United — Jubal McDaniel. Jubal will serve as volunteer chaplain for the Tacoma Defiance, of the United Soccer League—Championship. Jubal is the Founder and Executive Director of NW Football Ministries, a non-profit organization created to help poor and immigrant families be able to enjoy the game of soccer and to also receive encouragement and hear about the Good News of the Gospel through the examples and witness of the coaches. Jubal also serves as Elementary Athletic Director for Cascade Christian Schools where he coaches the girls Junior High and High School teams. You can learn more on his bio page here. Jubal McDaniel will serve as the volunteer chaplain for

For many who have children in youth sports, there is a mantra that is oft-repeated as parents commit hundreds, if not thousands, of hours and dollars to the sport(s) their children play: Well, if Susie can just get a college scholarship, it will be worth it all... In fact, sports at the youth and high school levels have become such an overwhelming enterprise that there are is a growing space for entrepreneurs who are out helping to coach, train, and teach parents how best to promote and get their student-athlete to stand out amongst a crowd when it comes to advancing in the game to the next level. And all of this with the noble (or ignoble) hope that college

Chaplains with Soccer Chaplains United recently were offered the chance to receive mental health awareness training through an opportunity created in collaboration with the Global Sports Chaplaincy Association (GSCA) and Sports Chaplaincy — UK (SCUK). SCUK National Director of Scotland, Mark Fleming, led the two-hour zoom training session which helped identified particular mental health issues that exist within professional sport and how chaplains might maintain a good level of mental health themselves and for those they serve. Mark's work in sports chaplaincy began with serving as Chaplain to Partick Thistle FC in 1998 and after nine years began gradually to source, train and appoint chaplains at other Scottish football clubs. Today, over 110 Scottish football clubs have chaplains and Mark