Tag Archive for: Counseling

You are here: / Counseling

Posts

20 to Watch For in 2020: How Did We Do?

black and white remote control

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 started shutting down in March, I felt that this would be the hardest and most difficult four goals to achieve. However, by the grace of God, we added 4 chaplains to our group. One still to be announced, but has been working with the team for two years now.

All of our work to place chaplains with different colleges across the country shutdown. But we now stand at 17 chaplains, and we know that this couldn’t have happened except by God’s hand especially with the global pandemic.

Grade: B+

13. Counseling Documentary

Soccer Chaplains United’s counseling division is anticipating the work of a special feature counseling documentary that will highlight the need for counseling and chaplaincy work in and amongst soccer. We are praying and discerning the best course of action with some of the stories and information that we have compiled and are planning the creation of a high-level story. Prayer: for the funding of the project (approx. $10k) and for the subject sensitivity and treatment to be honoring and compelling.

How we did: well, 2020 provided some clarity for Soccer Chaplains United in that by the end of the year we decided that we would not be moving on with Counseling as an internal part of our organization. We began some initial dialogues with a videographer and had storyboarded some of our vision for the documentary; however, the pandemic shutdown our work to continue to envision this and it seems to be a benefit as we spent very little resources (time and money) in the initial vision stage. We may revisit this documentary, but in the future it will detail the work of chaplains and not counselors.

Grade: Incomplete (for now)

12. Counseling Network Growth

Continuing to grow the Counseling Network for Soccer Chaplains United will be a story to watch for 2020 — as the awareness of more need arises, having the capacity to serve people, even after they have moved on from a particular, club, team, or city will be vital. The goal is to create continuity of care that goes beyond one’s playing days and time in a particular city. Prayer: for the right counselors in the right cities to join Soccer Chaplains United’s efforts.

How we did: as stated above, we are shifting away from having counselors internal to Soccer Chaplains United. We will shift our focus and emphasis to build out a solid and well-rounded counseling referral network instead. Because of our process of discernment around the direction of counseling for 2021 and beyond we didn’t grow or expand the network, to my knowledge, though I believe that each of our chaplains has at least a rough working list of counselors for referral. So, low grade for this year, but hopefully we will recover and rebound for 2021.

Grade: F

11. Virtual Chaplaincy

A growing need is for pastoral and spiritual care that is borderless. Especially with the global nature of soccer/football, there are many athletes, coaches, staff, and families that move for the game but lack the necessary chaplaincy and faith support at other parts and points in the world. Developing out forms of virtual chaplaincy support will be vital for the future. Prayer: Creative problem solving and appropriate technology uses and abilities for supporting those who feel “afar.”

How we did: there was no prophetic vision of what 2020 might have brought. For myself personally, my last day at the Colorado Rapids stadium and “in-person” (save for one or two meetings) was March 12. Most all of our chaplains were forced to adapt to serving in a virtual way for their current teams and people. Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp, House Party, Marco Polo and a myriad of other programs and moments helped our chaplains connect with athletes, coaches, and staff from safe and distanced means during a very difficult season. Additionally, more emphasis was put into podcasting and other means that could minister to people in appropriate ways and means.

Grade: A

10. Chaplaincy Training

While global sports chaplaincy training is beginning to grow and emerge, there is still a lack of resources and soccer-specific training for chaplaincy needs both in the United States and beyond. Soccer Chaplains United is beginning to be involved in developing and creating resources and education for training chaplains today and for the future. Prayer: for the training and resource development to be complementary and cohesive with existing resources and still fill the needs.

How we did: 2020 provided more time to create training that could be accessed by different members of Soccer Chaplains United. Recording a few short online training sessions, writing an article (to be submitted for journal publication in 2021), and beginning to collect other materials for training were all afforded in 2020.

Grade: B+ (probably could have made one more training video if pushed)

9. Travel and Opportunities

2020 alone will have several significant opportunities to travel and teach, learn, and coach. An invitation to teach in India, conference and meetings in the UK, a possible trip to Liberia, and other opportunities are beginning to emerge for Soccer Chaplains United. Prayer: for discernment for stewarding time and resources for the right opportunities.

How we did: the global pandemic shutdown much travel. My own trip to Dordt University was a last holdout, but alas, coming in March time ran out and the world shut down. Training chaplains in India still happened (virtually) and meetings with global sports chaplaincy leaders occurred via zoom, but travel was put off for much of 2020.

Grade: N/A

8 – 6. Multiplication

In terms of fundraising, development, and chaplaincy we can only go and grow as far as the team that we currently have. One of the “in process” prayer and discernment pieces for Soccer Chaplains United as we move into the future will be the multiplication of our efforts across different time zones and regions. Likely, this will look like growing a number of people similar to me (Brad) in my role and focused time and energy. Prayer: for the who, what’s, and wherefore’s of growing the vision and mission of Soccer Chaplains United amongst other like-minded people.

How we did: to be honest, this goal kind of went to the very back burner. I had a few discussion with a some chaplains in our group to gauge interest, but for now, I think I am it for leading and growing Soccer Chaplains United. Much of my time in 2020 was recovered by not traveling or commuting for my chaplaincy work; however, if and when the world returns to some level of normalcy we will still need 3-4 others in different time zones growing the ministry.

Grade: C-

5. Counseling Internship

New for 2020, Soccer Chaplains United is piloting a counseling internship program. We will have a 6 month trial before launching out with all the details, but suffice it to say that our work with soccer and counseling is a unique part of our endeavors and work and has the potential to powerfully help the athletes that we have been called to serve. Prayer: for our first counseling intern and internship program. That the program would work well and we would be able to respond and anticipate needs and adapt to changes and flexibility to push the envelope.

How we did: by now, you know that we ended our counseling emphasis as a result of a discernment process in 2020, but we did still manage to pull off an internship (albeit it was very difficult as the pandemic closed things down). Our intern was able to meet with and provide close to 100 counseling hours. Future internships will move now to be handled by local counselors like Brooke Ewert and her private practice, but it was a good start and we received good feedback overall given the circumstances.

Grade: B

4. New Community Partners and Places

For 2020 and beyond, we are excited to partner with some new churches, organizations and projects that are going to new places in and throughout the United States and around the world. Currently, our Community Projects have touched down in 26 different states and countries around the world. We are looking forward to seeing new places touched with our current partners and with new ones as well. Prayer: for continued gifting and granting of equipment from the organizations that we serve which allows us to partner well with our church and other non-profit partners.

How we did: there were only three projects to speak of in 2020. But by far, one of them was our largest ever with over 850 lbs. of gear delivered to Musana Community Development who was a new partner. Our third “project” is perhaps our smallest – a single pair of “special boots” that we are still tracking!

Grade: B–

3. 2020 Vision for 2026 World Cup

Now is the time to begin envisioning the future. With the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the 2026 World Cup there are some exciting opportunities for Soccer Chaplains United to serve in unique, large-event chaplain and counseling capacities whereby the world is coming to our door step. The 2026 version of the World Cup will feature an expanded format for the tournament and likely see teams from countries who have never played on the world’s largest stage. Prayer: that Soccer Chaplains United discerns its particular role and ways to serve as the World Cup comes into the national scene in 2026.

How we did: there was little in the way of prep and opportunity for 2026 plans while dealing with COVID-19 and the global pandemic. Is it fair to take a low grade? Oh, well…

Grade: D

2. Growing Sustainability

As with any non-profit organization, sustainability is key. Changing trends in generosity, charitable giving, generational values and norms, volunteerism, and other cultural nuances are all part of the landscape that Soccer Chaplains United must constantly navigate and negotiate. While some in the space are compromising particular aspects of ministry, Soccer Chaplains United continues to look forward at serving in a shifting landscape and become more sustainable and resilient. Prayer: for trusting in God for the future — His provision for His work; not our own.

How we did: well, we had to adapt. Donations and donors and some of our plans for fundraising was stymied by the pandemic. We also survived the loss of a key donor and a couple of foundations that have given in the past that didn’t for 2020! We are still working on the 2020 numbers but at the last that we knew we were just going to be short by maybe a few hundred dollars. Of course, breaking even is sometimes okay, especially in a down year.

Grade: B-

1. Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Well, we started out saying that there wasn’t a particular order or value, but it is critical for Soccer Chaplains United to keep on point for the next decade in front of us. While different opportunities and challenges will arise, key to continuing will be for the organization to be careful to not have “mission drift.” Prayer: that Soccer Chaplains United (as it is today and as it will be tomorrow) would continue to pray much, listen well, obey fully, and exercise faith in serving and loving the people that God calls us to serve and love.

How we did: Ok, so truth be told, I am a perfectionist. Feels a bit silly to “give ourselves grades” and likely I would rate us a little lower truth be told across the board, because there is always more room for improvement (even in the good things). Ha! But all said, I do think that Soccer Chaplains United and our chaplains worked really hard to serve and to also keep the “main thing the main thing”. Grades are really meaningless, but thanks for reading, thus far.

Grade: B+

We will come out with some type of vision ahead article for 2021 and beyond, soon.

black and white remote control

Soccer Chaplains United Refines Focus for 2021, Transitions Counseling Emphasis

As 2020 comes to a close and with 2021 on the horizon, Soccer Chaplains United is making a significant shift in emphasis for the foreseeable future — namely, the elimination of an internal counseling emphasis for the organization. The shift comes after this past year of analyzing and assessing the continued viability for the organization to carry out counseling service for soccer as part of its own makeup and DNA.

There are a number of reasons for what I am calling a “shift of emphasis” that I will share here. But before I do, I want to recount what I think is a still commendable history for counseling in the Soccer Chaplains United organization with the simple timeline graphic below.

Beginning in 2011 — a key conversation with a professional soccer player led us on a journey of trying to “marry” counseling and chaplaincy. It was born out of the idea that there were certain things where a clinical counselor was better trained and equipped to address (mental health areas) and where a chaplain and counseling team might better serve, holistically.

In spite of the upcoming shift, Soccer Chaplains United fundamentally still values and believes in that; however, we have reached a point as an organization where we continue to struggle to see the necessary growth and reconciliation of some key factors internally. Those pieces lead us to believe that we need to go about the chaplaincy and counseling collaboration in a different way.

Some of the key pieces for our consideration included:

  • Soccer Chaplains United — our name didn’t help grow counseling very well and wasn’t as representative (for counselors, especially) and transparent as necessary.
  • Limited resources — in truth, legitimate, clinical sports counseling has very few (although growing) amongst its membership. Soccer-specific counselors are even more difficult to find. For us, it’s not that a counselor and to be soccer savvy, but there is a certain subculture to soccer that is key and critical to understand.
  • Financially — typically chaplains are volunteers in professional sports (this is currently true of all Soccer Chaplains United chaplains); counselors are not. There is a disparity as unpaid chaplains “hand-off” or refer people to counselors who are fee-for-service. While we had aspirations to provide free or subsidized counseling, this was a much harder sell than we anticipated and led to very short lifespans (and conversations) amongst interested counselors.

There were other, smaller considerations for us around the decision, but a number of things that we believe Soccer Chaplains United will continue to uphold and value will help make our mission and vision leaner and also continue to move forward as we seek to serve those in soccer:

  1. We still value and believe that qualified and capable (sometimes known as licensed) Christian counselors and counseling is needed and important for affecting change and offering holistic care and support to those we serve in soccer. To this end, Soccer Chaplains United chaplains will seek to develop local counseling relationships to whom they can, when appropriate, refer.
  2. Differently from most professional sports in North America those in soccer, especially in the lower professional divisions and elsewhere, often lack the financial means to afford counseling fees. To this end, Soccer Chaplains United chaplains may raise and determine a budget for counseling subsidies in their annual budgets.

We believe that this refinement — coming as we have devoted the past six years to seeing and working through a model to try and develop chaplaincy and counseling together, may come at an important time and hopefully this “rest” from development will see the counseling emphasis grow in a better, more organic way outside of Soccer Chaplains United.

By way of practicality, for Soccer Chaplains United, we have taken down the counseling portions of our website. Brooke Ewert will continue to be a localized resource for referral and a help for chaplains serving in the Denver Metro area, but her volunteer role as Director of Counseling will be dissolved. It maybe bad form to quote myself in a story that I am writing, but I wanted to make sure that my own comments about Brooke standout from the rest of the story:

Brooke, has been an amazing person to journey with as part of Soccer Chaplains United. She has grown with us and I am excited to continue working with her in the future (albeit in different ways) to help provide for the mental health needs of those God allows me to serve in soccer. I am glad to have a trusted person to refer people on to see and I look forward to seeing her and her practice grow in the years to come.

Brad Kenney, Volunteer Chaplain Colorado Rapids on Brooke Ewert

I also never want to diminish the people who have worked to serve alongside of Soccer Chaplains United (and formerly, CrossTraining). Cody Baker and Nicholas Runyan also helped in the forming and shaping of best practices and different levels and layers of care. We were also glad to be able to successfully host the first known counseling internship amongst a professional development academy in North America. Those will be some gems and historical highlights that will always be a part of the Soccer Chaplains United story.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individual donors and church partners to carry out our work of chaplaincy service across all levels of soccer. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Simply click the PushPay (the big P or give tab) link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

Counseling Adapts to COVID with Life Coaching Option

happy birthday to you greeting card

The global pandemic has impacted industries in unique and critical ways and even the work of counseling and mental health has faced new challenges. For Brooke Ewert and the counseling provided for Soccer Chaplains United and those in sport, the different aspects of social distancing, limited contact, and travel and play/performance restrictions have all created a new layer of mental health issues and challenges amongst athletes, coaches, and those in the sports industry across many different levels.

For example, a chaplain recently reached out to Brooke and asked if she would be willing to meet with a professional athlete. The athlete needed support with life issues as well as setting goals for the future. Since the athlete is not in Colorado, the approach cannot be one typical for mental health support. Essentially, this means that there can be no formal diagnosis. State laws and ethics prevent undertaking or keeping counseling relationships in other states without additional licensure; however, a counselor can work through life circumstances in less formal ways (ie, life coaching) and assist athletes and coaches as they process through the life circumstances that are most challenging to them.

Brooke, who serves as the volunteer Director of Counseling for Soccer Chaplains United, has had to adapt in her own practice and service amongst those in sport.

It’s a new approach for me and one that I am enjoying because it shifts the focus to resources (internally/externally) for the athletes and walking alongside of the athletes in a new way.

Brooke Ewert, on adding and adapting life coaching to her counseling service and practice

Life coaching will allow a counselor, like Brooke, to reach more athletes than could bet helped previously. Because sports counseling is such a new field, there are not a lot of places to make referrals to counselors throughout the country. Brooke (and other sports counselors) have discovered that the life coaching and consultancy adaptation is an effective tool for getting athletes the help that they need. Additionally, such additions will help open the door for more athletes to seek help and to continue breaking the stigma down of asking for help. 

“The transiency of athletes makes mental health counseling difficult because most of the athletes I see leave the state I practice in and go to another state for training. Life coaching allows me to be able to reach more athletes when they cannot find adequate support in the state where they are competing.”

Brooke, on the ever-moving population of athlete and coach in sport

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, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work.

happy birthday to you greeting card

First Counseling Internship Ends Successfully

white and gray Adidas soccerball on lawn grass

Perhaps, there was never a more difficult time but more important time for the first counseling internship for Soccer Chaplains United. This past January, saw the first-ever joint venture internship to feature a counseling intern working with the pre-professional soccer players and families that comprise the Colorado Rapids Development Academy.

And just as the internship got off to a start with select age-groups, the global pandemic hit. Shutdown. Quarantine. And everyone had to pivot. Coaches. Players. Families. And more. There was a major shift and transition to zoom and online. There were at-home programs created and developed to help the athletes stay in soccer shape as much as possible while being apart from their teammates.

Just as the Rapids U-17 team earned a spot in the DA Championships, the Coronavirus pandemic shutdown soccer across the US.

And in spite of all the different challenges and barriers to creating a good system of mental health and mentality support for desiring DA athletes and family members, perhaps there has never been a more timely moment to begin.

Brooke Ewert, Soccer Chaplains United’s volunteer Director of Counseling offered this observation:

We were able to normalize mental health services to the developmental academy in a way that they got use to seeing a counselor around and knowing they could talk at any point in the season if they needed support.

Brooke, on the impact of the first-ever internship

In the final review, the counseling internship (which recently ended) might be deemed a success. A number of athletes and families were helped and supported in the midst of a pandemic shutdown and a lost season — which also saw major changes within the academy and soccer scene, itself. There looks to be a precedent set for the future — one in which the mental health needs of some of the youngest of athletes who might one-day don a 1st-team shirt have been helped from the beginning of their journey.

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, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work.

Coping with COVID with Brooke Ewert

From the Touchline

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:34 — 32.4MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | Youtube Music | RSS | More

Brooke Ewert, Director of Counseling for Soccer Chaplains United, joins me on the From the Touchline podcast, today to talk about the different ways that she is helping athletes, coaches, and others in soccer cope in the midst of the pandemic influenced sports season. The current global pandemic has seen a rise in the numbers of athletes and others around sport who are faced with serious mental health issues such as loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Brooke and I talk about the need for awarenessmand help and support as well as some practical exercises and tips for coping with the difficulties of this time.

Brooke also shares a number of suggested books and biographies that might give helpful insight from others who have had to endure similar times:

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.

Avila Ends Term

Alex Avila recently told us that he would not seek to renew his term on the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. For the past two years, Alex has been instrumental in being a guiding voice and advocate for the counseling aspects of the ministry and work of Soccer Chaplains United.

Alex steps aside as he has felt a calling to open up an innovative, coffee shop mental and spiritual health center in his local city of Castle Rock, Colorado and to pursue developing more online counseling and relationship education resources.

Alex continues to see clients and develop counseling resources through his Relationship Institute of the Rockies

I enjoyed serving alongside Brad and the passionate team he has assembled to make a difference in the lives of athletes, their families and ministry partners around the world. This Board is truly dedicated to giving people practical help and providing genuine hope when life is going well and during challenges.

Alex Avila, former member of Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors

It was during Alex’s tenure that Soccer Chaplains United added a counselor for the Development Academy program, helped to develop the position and name a Director of Counseling for Soccer Chaplains United, and help begin a pioneering program in forming a counseling internship in the Development Academy soccer program, the first of its kind.

Alex is in the process of forming his own nonprofit organization to lead and direct the coffee shop counseling with an aim to de-stigmatize counseling and mental health help for people.

I appreciate all that Alex has brought to Soccer Chaplains United the past two years and it has been exciting to see God place a new vision and burden in his own heart. I look forward to continuing to support and partner with Alex in the future. We pray God’s best for his future endeavors and his vision to serve people in a holistic manner.

Ewert Features on Mindful Monday for Rapids

Soccer Chaplains United’s Director of Counseling, Brooke Ewert, recently took part in an interview series with the Colorado Rapids. With the month of May being known as Mental Health Month, the Rapids have been doing a series, entitled, Mindful Monday. The interview style stories on the website featured Brooke and others working in the field of mental health and sport. Read the interview here.

Part of the vision of Soccer Chaplains United is to work closely with counselors in order to provide necessary clinical interventions that support the whole person. While chaplains often provide spiritual help and support, there are times when it is important to refer the athletes, coaches, staff, and their family members on to a trusted counselor to help provide mental health and well-being.

You can learn more about how counseling integrates with chaplaincy, here.

An Appeal

, ,
person holding fan of us dollar bill

Dear friends, I wanted to write and personally make an appeal to you. I know that we are facing much uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic and I am thankful for the majority of our donors who have remained faithful in their giving; however, we have seen some decline from last year and we know that this year will be challenging in terms of fundraising and generosity.

Yesterday, I wrote about the ongoing chaplaincy work for Soccer Chaplains United and the truth is we are busier in ministry as we seek to serve those we’ve been called to — from the college athlete who may not have a soccer program next year to the part-time stadium and concessions personnel who have had to go in search of other work to subsidize their income to the staff of the soccer teams and organizations that have been laid-off or furloughed.

Added to this is the challenge that we’ve not been able to go out and meet new donors or share our vision personally with partners who might help us continue to serve and grow our ministry work.

Will you consider an extra gift or extra expression of generosity?

— Rev Brad

I’d like to ask you, if you’ve received a stimulus check from the government — and if your needs were already being met, will you consider an extra gift or extra expression of generosity? Of course, please consider giving to your local church first, but if you feel so led, will you consider giving to help Soccer Chaplains United? Your gift will help sustain our ministry and work through this time and the time to come as we serve many in the sport of soccer who are facing devastating times and as we look to continue to develop chaplaincy and counseling resources for so many for whom soccer is their vocation and livelihood.

You can give a safe, secure, electronic, tax-deductible gift via PushPay by clicking the button below or by texting soccerchaplains to 77977. You can also mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

Thank you for your consideration and your generosity during this time.

20 to Watch For in 2020

As we come to the close of 2019 and usher in a new year and a new decade, here are twenty stories that we at Soccer Chaplains United believe are worth watching for in the next year and in the years to come. Of course, some of the stories are part of a larger picture, but we’ve come up with 20 (so to speak) and they are not necessarily in any particular order or value.

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.

13. Counseling Documentary

Soccer Chaplains United’s counseling division is anticipating the work of a special feature counseling documentary that will highlight the need for counseling and chaplaincy work in and amongst soccer. We are praying and discerning the best course of action with some of the stories and information that we have compiled and are planning the creation of a high-level story. Prayer: for the funding of the project (approx. $10k) and for the subject sensitivity and treatment to be honoring and compelling.

12. Counseling Network Growth

Continuing to grow the Counseling Network for Soccer Chaplains United will be a story to watch for 2020 — as the awareness of more need arises, having the capacity to serve people, even after they have moved on from a particular, club, team, or city will be vital. The goal is to create continuity of care that goes beyond one’s playing days and time in a particular city. Prayer: for the right counselors in the right cities to join Soccer Chaplains United’s efforts.

11. Virtual Chaplaincy

A growing need is for pastoral and spiritual care that is borderless. Especially with the global nature of soccer/football, there are many athletes, coaches, staff, and families that move for the game but lack the necessary chaplaincy and faith support at other parts and points in the world. Developing out forms of virtual chaplaincy support will be vital for the future. Prayer: Creative problem solving and appropriate technology uses and abilities for supporting those who feel “afar.”

10. Chaplaincy Training

While global sports chaplaincy training is beginning to grow and emerge, there is still a lack of resources and soccer-specific training for chaplaincy needs both in the United States and beyond. Soccer Chaplains United is beginning to be involved in developing and creating resources and education for training chaplains today and for the future. Prayer: for the training and resource development to be complementary and cohesive with existing resources and still fill the needs.

9. Travel and Opportunities

2020 alone will have several significant opportunities to travel and teach, learn, and coach. An invitation to teach in India, conference and meetings in the UK, a possible trip to Liberia, and other opportunities are beginning to emerge for Soccer Chaplains United. Prayer: for discernment for stewarding time and resources for the right opportunities.

8 – 6. Multiplication

In terms of fundraising, development, and chaplaincy we can only go and grow as far as the team that we currently have. One of the “in process” prayer and discernment pieces for Soccer Chaplains United as we move into the future will be the multiplication of our efforts across different time zones and regions. Likely, this will look like growing a number of people similar to me (Brad) in my role and focused time and energy. Prayer: for the who, what’s, and wherefore’s of growing the vision and mission of Soccer Chaplains United amongst other like-minded people.

5. Counseling Internship

New for 2020, Soccer Chaplains United is piloting a counseling internship program. We will have a 6 month trial before launching out with all the details, but suffice it to say that our work with soccer and counseling is a unique part of our endeavors and work and has the potential to powerfully help the athletes that we have been called to serve. Prayer: for our first counseling intern and internship program. That the program would work well and we would be able to respond and anticipate needs and adapt to changes and flexibility to push the envelope.

4. New Community Partners and Places

For 2020 and beyond, we are excited to partner with some new churches, organizations and projects that are going to new places in and throughout the United States and around the world. Currently, our Community Projects have touched down in 26 different states and countries around the world. We are looking forward to seeing new places touched with our current partners and with new ones as well. Prayer: for continued gifting and granting of equipment from the organizations that we serve which allows us to partner well with our church and other non-profit partners.

3. 2020 Vision for 2026 World Cup

Now is the time to begin envisioning the future. With the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the 2026 World Cup there are some exciting opportunities for Soccer Chaplains United to serve in unique, large-event chaplain and counseling capacities whereby the world is coming to our door step. The 2026 version of the World Cup will feature an expanded format for the tournament and likely see teams from countries who have never played on the world’s largest stage. Prayer: that Soccer Chaplains United discerns its particular role and ways to serve as the World Cup comes into the national scene in 2026.

2. Growing Sustainability

As with any non-profit organization, sustainability is key. Changing trends in generosity, charitable giving, generational values and norms, volunteerism, and other cultural nuances are all part of the landscape that Soccer Chaplains United must constantly navigate and negotiate. While some in the space are compromising particular aspects of ministry, Soccer Chaplains United continues to look forward at serving in a shifting landscape and become more sustainable and resilient. Prayer: for trusting in God for the future — His provision for His work; not our own.

1. Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Well, we started out saying that there wasn’t a particular order or value, but it is critical for Soccer Chaplains United to keep on point for the next decade in front of us. While different opportunities and challenges will arise, key to continuing will be for the organization to be careful to not have “mission drift.” Prayer: that Soccer Chaplains United (as it is today and as it will be tomorrow) would continue to pray much, listen well, obey fully, and exercise faith in serving and loving the people that God calls us to serve and love.

Chaplaincy and Counseling

From the Touchline

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (39.6MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | Youtube Music | RSS | More

Sport, especially the sport of soccer, is increasingly filled with more and more pressure. Pressure to perform, pressure to leave family, pressure to succeed, and more. Part of the work of Soccer Chaplains United is to look to care for the entire person that is involved in the game — whether an athlete, a coach, executive, or staff member, and even fans — our aim and mission to provide chaplaincy and counseling support that can care for the entire person and their family.

In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad and Counselor Brooke Ewert have a recorded conversation about chaplaincy and counseling and some of the different approaches and challenges that come with trying to work together and connect the two.. Brooke is the Director of Counseling for Soccer Chaplains United and also has her own practice, Rocky Mountain Sports Counseling. Rev Brad Kenny is the Founder/Executive Director and Lead Volunteer Chaplain for the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.

Connection points mentioned in today’s podcast:

Ownership/Management/Leadership looking into chaplaincy or counseling for your soccer club, team, or organization? Send us an email to info@soccerchaplainstunited.org.

Athlete/Coach/Executive or Staff Member looking for counseling resources or support? Send an email to brooke@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

Athlete/Coach/Executive or Staff Member looking for counseling resources or support? Send an email to brad@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

Looking to join Soccer Chaplains United either as a chaplain or counselor? Check out our application on the main page or send an email to info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10 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).

Don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain, in the Apple and Google store.

Community Projects

Contact Us

Chaplain Login

Privacy Policy

© 2024 Soccer Chaplains United

Donate via PushPay or Every.org.