Last month was Pastor/Chaplain Appreciation Month and we took time to feature some of our new chaplains with Soccer Chaplains United this year. Well, we’ve added so many new people that we thought we’d carry on that we couldn’t contain into just one month and we love our volunteer chaplains because they serve so willingly and so well without renumeration or much glory.
Today, on the podcast, it’s part two of my interview with Jason Rollins. Jason is volunteer chaplain to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC since February of this year. He’s replaced long-time chaplain Kurt Trempert who had to resign last year to take a new church leadership role. In part two, Jason and I discuss more of his work in following on from friend Kurt and we also get into some girl-dad talk and play a game of Crosses with Rev. It’s a fun bit for the next 30 minutes that we hope you’ll enjoy.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-11-06 00:00:002024-10-22 12:44:04Chaplain Appreciation: Meet Chaplain Jason Rollins – Part 2
October is Pastor/Chaplain Appreciation Month. All month long we’re featuring some of our new chaplains on the podcast because we really appreciate our volunteer people who serve without renumeration or much glory.
Today, on the podcast, it’s part one of my interview with Jason Rollins. Jason has been serving as volunteer chaplain to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC since February. And here, in part one, Jason shares a bit about growing up in Quito, Ecuador and how he got connected into doing the work with the Switchbacks. If you’ve got 30 minutes you’ll enjoy hearing the beginning of Jason’s story.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-10-30 00:00:002024-10-22 12:36:30Chaplain Appreciation: Meet Chaplain Jason Rollins – Part 1
When Jason Rollins heard that Kurt Trempert was stepping down from serving as the volunteer chaplain to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, he politely asked, “Who is filling your spot?” But, to be honest, he didn’t give it much more thought — he wasn’t ordained, isn’t a pastor, and has never been a “chaplain” before.
But as the search continued for a volunteer chaplain to serve the team, there were a number of barriers present for several of the other candidates, namely the issue of being able to commit to the time involved in serving as a team chaplain. As several candidates dropped off due to busyness, we re-opened the search and after consulting former chaplain, Kurt Trempert, Jason is one of the people that we encouraged to consider applying.
I love working with athletes and building relationships through the vehicle of sports. The position of chaplain for Switchbacks FC began to grow on me because of the combination of soccer and that opportunity for building relationships…
Jason, on his growing interest in the role of chaplain
Despite Jason not having served as a chaplain before, his work and service for some 20 years in education and his current role as Athletic Director for Colorado Springs Christian Schools came across to the interview team as a tremendous preparation point for serving as volunteer chaplain. In addition, Jason’s willingness to pursue a licensing and commission pathway with the Christian Missionary Alliance (CMA) and potential explore an institutional chaplaincy training program helped open the door of possibility for serving in this capacity.
Jason was also previously known to myself (Brad) and others at Soccer Chaplains United as he has led several mission teams to Quito, Ecuador. Born and raised in Quito with missionary parents, Jason has returned several times ,taking soccer gear through our Community Project programs in 2017, 2019, and 2022. Jason also has participated in the Soccer Chaplains United 2021 MLS Cup Watch Party and is a good friend of former chaplain Kurt Trempert.
Jason recently completed a Mental Performance Mastery Coach Certification. It’s part of his passion and gifting to help individuals in sport to achieve the best out of themselves. This, in addition, to several coaching certificates in soccer and certification as an Athletic Director, have positioned him to serve young people in sport for a long time.
My wife knows I love working with athletes, while mental performance coaching is different from chaplaincy, I imagine there is some overlap with helping athletes find and discover resources from within themselves, their faith history and backgrounds (if they have one), and from family and community to help them play, perform, and be well-rounded people.
Jason, on possible applications and translations of his mental performance coaching into chaplaincy
Jason has a professional proficiency in speaking Spanish that will help to serve his time with the athletes. In addition, as Jason serves as a volunteer chaplain there remains more opportunity to build the chaplain team serving the Switchbacks organization for the future.
We are excited to see the chaplaincy transition to Jason prior to the season start. We want to ask our supporters to pray for his work with the Switchbacks organization.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Click the link below to make a gift or check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/rollins-head-shot--e1707782624553.jpeg537862Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-02-19 00:00:002024-07-08 23:45:19Rollins Getting Rolling, Set to Serve Switchbacks FC As Chaplain
The USL-Championship is the second division of professional soccer in the United States and, currently, Soccer Chaplains United’s largest contingent of chaplains (9 of 28) serving teams in this league. With the playoffs set to start this next weekend, I’ve invited the USL-C chaplains on the podcast today to give a quick look back at the 2023 season and preview the playoffs ahead.
On this episode of From the Touchline, Kurt Trempert shares some sad news with us. Robert Briggs (also known as “Briggsy”) will have his first ever shot at Crosses with Rev— the little game I like to play with podcast guests. So tune in and listen as we talk about USL playoff soccer today on the podcast.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-10-18 00:00:002024-08-20 11:32:202023 USL Season Review and Playoff Preview with special guests Aydt, Trempert, and Briggs
Chaplain and Pastor, Kurt Trempert, is “hanging up the boots” of soccer chaplaincy after serving the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for the last nine seasons. Kurt, pastor of HarvestDowntown, is a leader in the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. This move comes as he accepts a bigger role in helping lead the church in the local district. The MidAmerica District of the C&MA covers a geographical region of five states, including Colorado. Kurt will take on a new role of Assistant to the District Superintendent, where he will work to help as a “3D (Discover, Develop, Deploy) Catalyst for Ministry Leadership.” I asked Kurt what he will miss most about leaving the Switchbacks chaplaincy,
I will miss the opportunity to be in the locker room with the lads as one who can be trusted with the highs and lows of sport and life. I have become close friends with the club president and will miss our conversations together. As a whole, this has been an incredible ministry experience that has given me influence in places like Ghanaian Footballers for Christ, players in Turkey, Cameroon, Canada, El Salvador, and all across the U.S. Along the way, I have been invited into difficult conversations and joyful ones.
Kurt, on leaving Switchbacks
Kurt began working with the Switchbacks in 2015. He was the first chaplain placement outside of Ben Dudley (Timbers) and the team working with the Colorado Rapids. Kurt joined while we were still known as CrossTraining Ministries. He was also our first chaplain placed in what, today, is known as the United Soccer League — Championship. USL-C represents the second division of professional soccer in the United States.
What a privilege it has been to journey with players into retirement (both forced and desired), as well meaningful conversations about marriage, abortion, and suicide. I have grown in compassion, kindness, and mercy with each relationship . Thanks Brad for inviting me into this incredible ministry, and I pray that the next chaplain with the Switchbacks will have even greater impact and experiences demonstrating and declaring the love of Jesus.
Kurt, on the privilege of serving the past 9 years
Kurt’s move to the MidAmerica District offices in Omaha, NE will leave a vacancy that Soccer Chaplains United is already looking to fill. While it will be tremendously difficult to find someone of Kurt’s personality and character, we look forward to the challenge.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/kurt-trempert.jpg15891657Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-10-16 06:00:002024-07-08 23:47:39Trempert Sees Out 9 Years with Switchbacks
The United Soccer League (USL), notably has a number of different teams all throughout the soccer landscape of professional soccer. From representing the second division all the way into the 4th tier (USL 2) and is ever expanding to bring pro soccer to many smaller cities and communities.
With the USL-Championship set to start the league season this weekend we have a number of our Soccer Chaplains United chaplains on the podcast today to give a quick look back at last year and preview of the year to come.
Special to this episode of From the Touchline, today, we have our first ever head to head competition of Crosses with Revthe little game I like to play with podcast guests. So tune in and listen as we talk about USL soccer today on the podcast.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-03-08 00:00:002024-08-20 11:50:192023 USL Preview with special guests Greg Aydt, Kurt Trempert, Tate Madizma, and Josh Bailey
Saturday night saw the collision of hopes and dreams as the United Soccer League – Championship division ended the regular season. Going into the night, three of the six teams served by Soccer Chaplains United were still vying for a playoff spot — with El Paso Locomotive, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, and Memphis 901 FC all having secured a spot already. Rio Grande Valley Toros FC were the only ones to succeed – at the cost of New Mexico United. The Tacoma Defiance needed a lot of help (win their game and have some other results go their way) which didn’t happen.
In spite of the Defiance losing out, Chaplain Jubal McDaniel described the team as playing with a lot of heart and ending the season with a strong performance. Chaplain McDaniel, in his first season with the club, created a unique memento (photo below) for each athlete and staff member to remember the year.
Meanwhile, Chaplain Isidro Piña and the RGV Toros playoff joy has been somewhat tempered by the recent auto accident for their goalkeeping coach, Arturo Sanchez. Please pray for Arturo and his family as he recovers.
RGV Instagram a few days ago
For New Mexico United, this is the first year in its short, three-year existence that is misses out on the playoffs. Something not lost on Chaplain Clint Moore, as he sees NMU as much of the heart and soul of sport in the state.
NMU ended their last home game on an high note with an electrified, sold-out (COVID-limited) stadium of 9000+…even as the fans and the team celebrated, many were on their phones checking the results of the RGV vs. El Paso game…the tension in the fans hearts was real as we celebrated the victory. Each of our three seasons has presented its own unique challenges and the club has risen to reach as an organization with humility, hard work, and diligence. The ethos of the club is improving and IM’ confident that they will continue to attract positive players and outcomes for the league and community for years to come.
Clint Moore, New Mexico United volunteer chaplain
Please pray for the work of the chaplains as they move into playoff and off-season modes.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. You can text soccerchaplains to (833) 245-5091 to link through your mobile device or simply click the PushPay Logo on the bottom of the page below.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Screen-Shot-2021-11-01-at-1.42.57-PM.png12461920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-11-01 14:26:272021-11-01 14:26:29USL Championship Playoffs Set
Pastor Kurt Trempert is one of the longest standing volunteer chaplains for Soccer Chaplains United and he serves the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, a team that plays in the the USL-Championship, the second division of professional soccer in the U.S. The Switchbacks are an affiliate for the Colorado Rapids and so there is often a shuttling back and forth of players on loan between the two clubs, situated about an hour and half drive down Interstate-25.
This year, Kurt enters into his seventh season as volunteer chaplain. He joins me, Rev Brad Kenney, on the From the Touchline podcast today ahead of the team’s grand home opener this week (Friday) and the brand-new Weidner Field located in downtown Colorado Springs. We record the podcast, on-site, and to honor the opening of the new stadium we change today’s podcast picture.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_0789-scaled.jpg14421920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-05-19 00:00:002024-08-20 13:16:22There’s No Place Like Home with Kurt Trempert
As the United Soccer League (USL) starts to ramp up its season this weekend, soccer across North America will finally be in full-swing. The USL manages the lower divisions of professional soccer in the U.S. and Canada and has many teams in smaller cities and markets. USL-Championship is the top tier of soccer below Major League Soccer (MLS).
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, Rev Brad is joined by 5 different USL-C chaplains! Robert Briggs, chaplain of Sacramento Republic; Greg Aydt, chaplain to Memphis 901 FC; Kurt Trempert, chaplain to Colorado Springs Switchbacks; Jubal McDaniel, chaplain to the Tacoma Defiance; and Erick Jiménez, chaplain to El Paso Locomotives FC are all on the podcast. Each chaplain shares a little bit about themselves and what lies ahead for their cities and their teams in the 2021 season.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-04-28 00:00:002024-08-20 13:18:05USL with Robert, Kurt, Jubal, Greg and Erick
The United Soccer League (USL) this past week announced a rebranding and restructuring of its leagues. The USL will remain as a corporate identity with a re-envisioned logo (above). Meanwhile, the three tier will be Championship, League One, and League Two respectively.
While League Two has some clarity around this being the new version of the PDL (Player Development League) and a pre-professional league, it is not clear at this moment what teams will make up League One and Championship.
Currently, Soccer Chaplains United has chaplains at four USL teams — Charlotte Independence, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Nashville SC, and Rio Grande Valley Toros FC. It is possible that one or more of those teams could have a different placement in the newly announced structure which will begin in 2019.
Please pray as Soccer Chaplains United develops strategies for discovering and placing chaplains within the different teams that comprise the USL. Currently, it costs about $5000 to discover and process a new chaplain. These are costs that are borne by Soccer Chaplains United as we look to develop chaplains in soccer.
If you would like to partner with us financially, or if you are interested in or know of someone that might be a candidate in a particular city where the USL is expanding, please consider supporting and contacting us. You can give financially below through PushPay or you can reach us at info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Corporate.png4843300Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2018-10-01 09:18:172018-10-02 09:39:49United Soccer League Continues Evolution
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